Greenland: “It’s not for sale.” Immediate backlash
Some say “attract US investment and develop tourism”
‘Return of the Panama Canal’, ‘Incorporation into Canada’, etc.
A series of remarks infringing on sovereignty sparked controversy in the U.S.
Following his recent call for the return of the Panama Canal, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump also announced his intention to purchase Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. Although it may be read as a negotiation strategy to pressure other countries in terms of trade or security strategies, there are voices of concern even within the United States as remarks that infringe on the sovereignty of other countries. Denmark and Panama are also strongly opposing it.
On the 22nd, President-elect Trump nominated PayPal co-founder Ken Howery as U.S. Ambassador to Denmark and publicly stated, “It is absolutely necessary for the U.S. to own and control Greenland for national security and world freedom.” Analysis suggests that the intention is to put pressure on Denmark, a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), to increase defense spending, and to take the lead in the competition for hegemony with China and Russia by occupying Greenland, a strategic point in the Arctic Circle.
● Greenland is a strategic location for ‘Arctic hegemony’
The New York Times (NYT) said on the 23rd, “President-elect Trump’s recent remarks, following his demand for the return of the Panama Canal and setting his sights on Greenland, are unusual,” adding, “It is a perception unique to real estate developers who do not view the sovereignty of other countries as sacrosanct.” “The structure was revealed,” he pointed out. Last month, President-elect Trump announced the imposition of a high tariff of 25% on Canada, saying, “I will incorporate Canada as the 51st state in the United States,” and “Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will become governor.”
Greenland is considered a strategic location in the Arctic Circle. Recently, glaciers have melted rapidly due to climate change, and the development of an Arctic route passing through Greenland has become visible. Additionally, a significant amount of rare earth elements, such as lithium, which are used in electric vehicles, are buried.
In fact, the United States is engaged in fierce competition with China and Russia for ‘Arctic hegemony.’ China announced plans to build an Arctic military base in 2018. Also in July, China and Russia conducted a joint patrol over the Arctic Ocean. The United States has also been operating the ‘Pitu Peak Space Force Base’ in western Greenland since 1951.
Greenland is the world’s largest island with an area of 2.17 million square kilometers. It is close to 10 times the size of the Korean Peninsula. About 80% of the island is covered in snow and ice, and about 56,000 people live in the remaining area. Denmark has ruled since the early 18th century, but Greenland’s autonomous government was established in 2009. Currently, Denmark is responsible for Greenland’s defense, diplomacy, and security, and supports half of the autonomous government’s finances.
Greenland acquired the right to declare independence with the launch of its own government in 2009. However, due to its high economic dependence on Denmark, it has never actually pursued independence. However, it is not a poor country. According to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), per capita income is $68,100 (as of 2021), ranking 19th in the world.
NYT said, “It is becoming clear that Trump’s ‘America First’ is not isolationism. “It can also be seen as expansionism,” he said. “It also resembles the colonialism of President Theodore Roosevelt, who annexed the Philippines through the war with Spain in 1898.”
● “The locals don’t think it’s empty talk.”
After President-elect Trump’s remarks, Greenland’s Prime Minister Moute Egede immediately responded by saying, “Greenland is ours and is not for sale. It will never be for sale in the future, and we will not stop our long struggle for freedom.” The Danish Prime Minister’s Office also said, “Greenland is not for sale, but is always open to cooperation with the United States.”
Some say that Greenlandic public opinion may lean towards President-elect Trump. By attracting investment from the United States, we can develop large-scale rare earth minerals and tourism industries. Marc Jacobsen, a professor at the Royal Danish Defense University, said, “There are not many people in Denmark and Greenland who laugh off Trump’s remarks as empty words.” However, the prevailing analysis is that the scenario of Denmark becoming independent and then annexing it to the United States is unlikely to be realized.
President-elect Trump promoted the ‘annexation of Greenland’ during his first administration in 2019. However, the autonomous governments of Denmark and Greenland strongly protested, calling it “nonsense,” and it ended.
Reporter Lee Ji-yoon [email protected]
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