Denmark summoned the US ambassador in Copenhagen to discuss alleged espionage against Greenland amid a growing push to gain control of the Arctic island.

Denmark has called in the US ambassador over a report that Washington is stepping up its espionage of politicians in Greenland and Copenhagen.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said on Wednesday he would call in the acting U.S. ambassador to Denmark for talks after the Wall Street Journal reported Washington had ordered U.S. intelligence agencies to step up spying on Greenland.