Explained: What benefits do America, China and Russia get from Greenland?

Not only America, but also Russia and China are keeping an eye on Greenland.

Greenland is in the headlines. United States President Donald Trump wants to make it an American state at any cost. They have threatened to attack and capture this world’s largest island. A bill regarding this has also been recently presented in the US Parliament. Trump has also given his consent to this bill. Russia and China also have special interest in this. Whereas, Denmark neither wants to give this part of its territory to anyone nor does the government and people of Greenland have any such intention, but everyone is looking towards Greenland with greedy eyes. Trump has already said that if I don’t get Greenland, China or Russia will get it.

Greenland is the world’s largest island, which is geographically located in the Arctic region. Even though its population is very small, but due to global politics, military strategy, natural resources and future climate conditions, it has today become extremely important for the three superpowers America, China and Russia. Greenland is formally part of Denmark, but its geographical location and prospects make it an important center of the international balance of power.It is important to understand in the latest context what benefits America, China and Russia can get from Greenland? Why could this Earth become the pivot of global politics in the coming decades?

Geographical and strategic importance of Greenland

Greenland is located between North America and Europe and has a direct influence on the Arctic Ocean. This location is close to the major sea and air routes of the Northern Hemisphere. It is very close to the North Pole. Ideal for intercontinental missiles and radar systems. As the ice in the Arctic region is melting, the importance of Greenland is increasing manifold.

What benefit does America get from Greenland?

Greenland is a strong pillar of national security for America. Thule Air Base (now Pittic Space Base) located here is a major military base of America. Meaning America is already present here in some form or the other. It gives early warning of ballistic missiles coming from Russia. Helps in space monitoring and satellite tracking. Strengthens NATO’s northern security.

Greenland gives America a direct presence in the Arctic region. In the future, the Arctic Sea Route (Northern Sea Route) will be very important for global trade. Rare earth elements, uranium, oil and gas, copper, zinc, gold available in Greenland make it more important. These resources can help in reducing America’s dependence on China.

Why is China interested in Greenland?

China is already the world’s largest producer of rare earth elements, but it wants new sources to secure its future. Greenland is very important from this point of view. The Polar Silk Road is a part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Greenland can become a strategic stop on this route. China wants to establish a research station here. Wants to invest in infrastructure (airports, ports). By doing this he wants to gradually increase his political influence. However, America and Denmark view China’s growing role with suspicion.

Why is Greenland important for Russia?

Russia already has the largest military presence in the Arctic region. Greenland is located in front of Russia’s Northern Fleet. Determines the balance of power in the Arctic. American radar and missile systems around Greenland affect Russia’s strategic plans. Therefore Russia cannot ignore it. Russia is getting new sea routes due to the melting of Arctic ice. Activities near Greenland are related to the security and control of these routes.

Climate change and Greenland

Climate change is going to prove to be the biggest game changer in Greenland’s geopolitics. New mineral areas are emerging due to melting snow. New sea routes are opening. The competition among global powers is intensifying. The country that dominates Greenland today can also dominate the Arctic in the future.

Local population and Denmark’s role

Greenland’s native population (Inuit) now want more autonomy. They want economic development. Want employment from mining. Along with this, the people here also want to protect their culture and environment. Denmark is trying to strike a balance. On the one hand, local interests, on the other hand, pressure from global powers. It will be interesting to see how America, China and Russia are able to win over Denmark. Because both Denmark and Greenland do not want anyone else to have control over their independence. However, the government of Greenland is in no position to face any level of opposition or attack.

Whatever strength Greenland is going to get, it is possible only from Denmark. One good thing is that Denmark is one of the founding members of NATO since its inception i.e. in the year 1949. In such a situation, America, Russia or China will not make any mistake in taking it lightly.

future prospects

In the coming years, Greenland could become the center of a new Cold War-like competition. The resources here can become a big example of politics. The Arctic could be a crucial area of ​​governance. This island is no longer just a land of ice and polar bears, but has become an important front of the global power struggle. In such a situation, Greenland is going to be in the headlines in the coming years because of its importance.

In this way we can say that Greenland is a protective shield for America. A resource and trade opportunity for China, and a strategic challenge for Russia. Climate change has made this island the center of future politics. The country that establishes influence in Greenland will also shape the Arctic balance of the 21st century.

Also read: How a murderer discovered Greenland while serving his sentence? Where is the treasure of rare earth metals, Trump has set his sights on it