The US has just told the world it won’t let communist China get its claws into strategically vital Greenland, even as Trump’s plans to buy the resource-rich island keep causing international headaches.
At a Glance
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared America will not allow Greenland to become dependent on China while respecting local independence desires
- Recent elections in Greenland delivered a win for pro-independence forces but overwhelmingly rejected the idea of becoming part of the United States
- President Trump’s continued interest in acquiring Greenland has strained relations with Denmark, a critical NATO ally
- Greenland’s strategic importance is skyrocketing due to its rare earth mineral deposits and potential new Arctic shipping routes
- An opinion poll showed 84% of Greenlanders want independence from Denmark, but only 6% would consider becoming a US state
America’s Greenland Obsession Continues
The Biden administration is desperately trying to clean up the diplomatic mess created by Trump’s ongoing obsession with acquiring Greenland, while simultaneously warning that the US won’t stand by and watch China buy influence in the resource-rich Arctic territory.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been walking this tightrope by emphasizing Washington’s respect for Greenlanders’ independence aspirations while simultaneously making it clear that becoming a puppet of the Chinese Communist Party is not an option. It’s a classic case of American foreign policy trying to have its cake and eat it too – we respect your sovereignty, but only if you exercise it the way we want.
The recent elections in Greenland delivered a resounding rejection of American territorial ambitions. The pro-independence Demokraatit party secured 30% of the vote and the largest number of parliamentary seats with a platform explicitly critical of Trump’s rhetoric. Voters delivered a clear message that while they’re interested in independence from Denmark, they have zero interest in trading one colonial master for another.
This shouldn’t be surprising to anyone with a basic understanding of national pride, but apparently that’s too much to ask of our political establishment, which seems perpetually convinced that other nations are just waiting for American salvation.
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The China Card
The Biden administration’s sudden concern about Greenland isn’t actually about Greenland’s well-being – it’s about preventing China from gaining a foothold 750 miles from Canadian shores. Rubio made this crystal clear when he warned that the US would not allow Greenland to “become dependent on China.” This is the same China that our current administration has bent over backwards to accommodate on trade, manufacturing, and technology theft. But apparently, when it comes to rare earth minerals – which Greenland has in abundance and which are crucial for everything from smartphones to military equipment – suddenly we’re drawing a hard line.
“If [he] had any idea that his invitations and threats … would be welcomed … he’s done himself a disservice.” , says Ulrik Pram Gad.
The hypocrisy is stunning. After spending years letting China build economic influence throughout the developing world with its Belt and Road Initiative, suddenly we’re concerned about Chinese financial incentives creating dependency. Where was this concern when China was buying up strategic infrastructure across Africa, Asia, and Latin America?
The reality is that the US has awakened to the strategic importance of Greenland far too late, and now we’re scrambling to prevent others from filling the vacuum our shortsightedness created. Meanwhile, Greenland’s 57,000 residents are caught in a great power competition they never asked for.
For decades, Greenland—that icy expanse in the North Atlantic—has largely been an afterthought in U.S. foreign policy. However, as global power dynamics shift and the Arctic grows in strategic significance, Greenland’s importance has emerged as a critical priority for… pic.twitter.com/UfXv9jYmgx
— CPAC (@CPAC) January 22, 2025
The Strategic Arctic Prize
Let’s be honest about what’s really at stake here. Greenland sits atop an estimated $1 trillion in rare earth minerals – the same critical resources that China currently dominates global production of with over 80% market share. As climate change melts Arctic ice, new shipping routes are opening up that could revolutionize global trade. And let’s not forget Greenland’s strategic location for military purposes.
Trump was absolutely right about the island’s importance, even if his approach was about as subtle as a sledgehammer. The problem isn’t recognizing Greenland’s value – it’s the fumbling, inconsistent American approach that’s managed to alienate both Greenlanders and Denmark.
Vice President JD Vance’s recent “provocative” visit to Greenland perfectly encapsulates our self-defeating approach. While officially affirming respect for Greenland’s self-determination, the visit itself was perceived as threatening by officials in both Nuuk and Copenhagen. This is diplomatic malpractice at its finest. We’re alienating a NATO ally in Denmark while simultaneously failing to win over Greenlanders, all while China patiently builds economic relationships without the heavy-handed rhetoric. If America wants to counter Chinese influence in Greenland, perhaps we should start by not treating the island like a real estate opportunity and its people like an afterthought.
