"Strategic chess piece" in geopolitical competition in the Arctic region

Once one of the most isolated regions in the world, Greenland has now become a geopolitical hotspot, attracting great interest from global powers.

The article was published on Modern Diplomacy. (Screenshot)

That is the opinion of Mr. Hashim Kamal, a researcher at the Department of International Relations, National Defense University Islamabad (Pakistan) in the article Greenland: A pawn in the arctic power struggle published in Modern Diplomacy on March 17.

According to Mr. Kamal, Greenland is becoming the focus of competition between major powers due to its strategic value in terms of security and resources.

With its unique location between the US, Europe and Russia, the island plays a key role in the North American defense system, monitoring space and missile activities, and possessing valuable resources such as minerals, oil and gas and Arctic shipping routes.

The Polar Silk Road

Researcher Hashim Kamal commented that for Beijing, Greenland plays an important role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as well as the strategy to expand the influence of the billion-people country in the far north.

Although not an Arctic nation, China has made clear its intention to build a Polar Silk Road – a complementary trade route to its BRI infrastructure projects in Greenland. The strategy aims to exploit cost-effective shipping routes between Europe and Asia via the Arctic Ocean.

In addition, China is also interested in accessing Greenland's mining industry, because the natural resources here play an important role, can serve the advanced technology industries of the billion-people country, and at the same time serve the plan to build research facilities and satellite stations on this island.

Beijing is also seeking to establish a research station and satellite station in Greenland, with the aim of expanding its scientific and strategic influence in the Arctic region. (Source: Xinhua)

America's "inseparable" strategy

Mr. Kamal emphasized that Greenland has an important strategic position for the US, is the world's largest island in North America and plays an important role in the regional defense system.

Washington has maintained the Pituffik military base there since 1951. Today, Greenland is also a key link in the US Space Force, overseeing missile and space operations. In addition, the island could become a bridge to maintain the supply chain from the US East Coast to Northern Europe.

President Donald Trump's recent comments about Greenland's importance to US national security have once again made the region a flashpoint in the Arctic geopolitical chessboard.

During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office on March 13, the US leader affirmed: "For the sake of national security and freedom around the world, Washington considers ownership and control of Greenland to be of utmost importance."

The expert also quoted Rebecca Pincus, director of the Wilson Center's Polar Institute, as saying that Greenland's position is growing in the context of US-China competition, as well as when Washington faces a new technological revolution.

Pituffik US military base in Greenland. (Source: Reuters)

According to Mr. Kamal, President Donald Trump clearly understands that Greenland is not for sale, and is aware that statements about the island could provoke strong reactions from Denmark.

However, the White House owner's recent statements about Greenland, the Panama Canal and the Ukraine conflict continue to show a special approach to diplomacy and foreign policy.

In addition, Mr. Kamal pointed out, one of the other reasons why President Donald Trump's administration is interested in Greenland is because of the island's rich mineral resources.

Washington sees Greenland as an alternative to Beijing’s near-monopoly on rare earth minerals. In the context of China and Russia’s increased activities in the region, Greenland is an integral part of the US sphere of influence and a top national security priority.

Overall, Greenland is becoming a focal point in global strategic competition due to its important position in both security and economy.

As the Arctic continues to gain increasing attention, the island is not only a key link in US strategy but also attracts the attention of many other powers. Above all, in the current volatile geopolitical context, Greenland will continue to shape the balance of power in this polar region.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/greenland-military-strategy-in-the-dia-chinh-tri-tai-vung-cuc-bac-307934.html