US President Donald Trump’s pursuit of Greenland has sparked controversy, with the country refusing to rule out the use of force to gain control of the island from Denmark. But Washington’s interest in Greenland predates Trump’s presidency, with the United States seeking to mitigate threats emanating from the Arctic.
The region is becoming increasingly important due to China and Russia’s growing military and commercial activities. “Greenland is crucial for missile defense, space surveillance, and global competition,” said Rebecca Pincus, director of the Wilson Center’s Polar Institute.
As a territory of Denmark, Greenland is part of NATO but pursuing independence, which could open doors for Russia and China to gain a foothold in the country. The US already has a space base on Greenland for missile defense and space surveillance, but control of the entire island would enable better defense against naval and air threats.
Russia has a greater military presence in the Arctic than the US and continues to invest in its defense capabilities despite the war in Ukraine. Retired US General Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy warned that Russia could attack the US via the Arctic, making it vulnerable.
The US military infrastructure in the Arctic is considered the “weakest link” in homeland defense, according to Jahara Matisek, a professor at the US Naval War College. China is seeking to be a major player in the region and has sought to buy ports, mining rights, and other infrastructure on Greenland.
Matisek said the US needs more space-based sensors and data fusion capabilities to close its “Kill Chain” – a critical gap in its defense strategy. The US also faces competition from China’s growing shipping and maritime presence in the Arctic.
As ice recedes due to climate change, it’s opening up the Northern Passage for ships to transit from Europe to Asia via Greenland and Canada. This route is becoming increasingly important for military vessels, including Chinese warships. The island’s natural resources, critical for high-tech goods and electric vehicles, are also being sought after by China and Russia.
The US sees securing Greenland as crucial for North American defense and preventing a “footprint” from falling into the hands of China and Russia. Trump’s pursuit of the island may be seen as an attempt to make the US take Greenland seriously and secure its interests in the region.
Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-china-arctic-greenland-trump/33273910.html