The United States has always looked at Greenland under its influence, but the island's growing sovereignty is a threat to the United States. After the United States, China and Russia are now seeing an opportunity to step into the Arctic region.
The island of Greenland, located between the North Atlantic and the North Pole, has been crucial to US defense since World War II. From here, the movement of Nazi German ships and submarines was monitored. However, the island is now the focus of attention from the United States, Russia and China.
The United States is set to establish its first diplomatic mission in Greenland this summer since 1953. The United States has also announced a مل 12 million investment in the world's largest island. But the question is, what do these world powers want from gaining control of the island?
America's goal this time is the same as it was the year before. A State Department official said in a press briefing that the Washington administration wants a secure and stable Arctic where US interests can be protected. But unlike in the past, this time the challenge for US interests is not Germany but Russia and China.
Greenland not for sale
Greenland is an independent island of Denmark. Since 2009, most of the management has been in the hands of the local government, but its foreign affairs, defense and monetary policy decisions are made by Denmark, which also contributes a large part of its budget. US President Donald Trump has expressed interest in buying Greenland.
Greenland is rich in natural resources as well as its important political geography. The island has large reserves of oil, gas and minerals. In addition, fish and other marine life are found in large numbers here. Three-quarters of the island is covered by a three-kilometer-thick layer of ice.
Greenland's largest industry is fish exports and its largest export market is East Asia. The Greenland government is considering setting up a consulate in East Asia. China's state-owned mining company Shanghai Resources has played a key role in Greenland's mineral production. The Chinese company uses state-of-the-art technology in Greenland's largest mining projects.
Economic and defense interests
Greenland's investment opportunities, natural resources and commitment to increasing influence in the North Pole have highlighted China's interest. On the other hand, Russia's interest in the island is linked to economic interests as well as security concerns. According to experts, the Arctic Ocean is a hub for Russia's nuclear weapons and its access to Iceland and Greenland, located between Russia's North Atlantic, is essential for its protection.
The US Total Air Base is located in northwestern Greenland. From here, the United States can launch satellite monitoring and intercontinental ballistic missiles, as well as aircraft, which gives the United States a strategic advantage.
Spread over an area of two million square kilometers, Greenland has a population of only 57,000, the majority of whom belong to the Inuit population of ancient indigenous peoples. According to scientists, Greenland is also facing severe effects of global climate change.
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