Recently, US President Trump has made a series of statements regarding international affairs that have attracted significant attention, with one of the most talked-about topics being the potential purchase of Greenland. Located between Europe and North America, Greenland is mostly situated within the Arctic Circle, covering over 2.6 million square kilometers but with a population of just over 50,000. It is one of the few remaining undeveloped lands on Earth, alongside Antarctica.
Why is Trump interested in Greenland? Is it possible for the US to acquire this territory? Is the US once again embarking on a path of expansionism? Could Greenland become the latest target of American continental ambitions?
Independent TV producer Li Jun stated in a program on New Tang Dynasty TV that Trump initially just floated the idea of being interested in purchasing Greenland. He mentioned how both China and Russia are active in the Arctic region. In 2023, China secured mining rights for rare earth minerals on Greenland, posing a disadvantage for the US. At that time, both the Danish government and Greenland’s premier emphasized that Greenland was not for sale.
During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on January 7, 2025, when asked if he could rule out military action or economic pressure to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal, Trump answered that he couldn’t guarantee excluding either option, but emphasized the necessity for securing American economic interests. Trump further stated that due to national security reasons, the US needed this world’s largest island situated in the Arctic region, as Russian and Chinese vessels are prevalent in the vicinity. Following that, Trump’s son personally visited the island and received a warm welcome from the locals.
A few days later, Danish Prime Minister Mette made a new statement with a significant change in attitude. She mentioned that US interest in Greenland was a positive sign, and whether to join the US would depend on the will of the Greenlandic people. Reportedly, there was a survey on the island, showing 57% of residents supporting joining the US, while 37% were against it.
Political commentator Tang Baoqiao on the program expressed that Trump’s second term includes a grand strategy, primarily aimed at staunching China’s expansion and potentially dismantling its hegemony in the Third World. Any Chinese expansion would likely face US interference in areas such as Panama, Greenland, and Canada, primarily targeting China. This strategy extends to regions like the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, where Trump will maintain pressure, even in places like Vietnam and the Philippines.
Tang added that Greenland holds significance in several aspects. Firstly, it’s strategically located closer to Canada than Denmark, being crucial if China heavily infiltrates Canada, posing a significant strategic threat similar to the Cuban Missile Crisis back in the day. Secondly, with the US currently facing a rare earth resource shortage, Greenland’s natural resources, including rare earth minerals, present a valuable asset. Trump’s serious approach, including sending his son and members of the security council, illustrates the importance the US places on Greenland. There might be a referendum during his term, with a likely outcome favoring the US.
Regarding Russia’s position, Tang noted their surprising silence on the matter, possibly to avoid provoking Trump until his term ends on January 20. If Trump were to acquire Greenland, it would be most displeasing to Putin, followed by Xi Jinping due to Greenland’s deep-rooted connections with Russia.
Media veteran Guo Jun mentioned in the program that most of Greenland is within the Arctic Circle, characterized by extreme cold and thick ice sheets, historically inhabited by small populations like the Inuit people. During the Norse expansion in the medieval era, a few Vikings colonized parts of Greenland, mainly in the southern coastal areas.
He highlighted the Viking’s advanced seafaring abilities, keeping their discoveries at sea secretive. Greenland’s name, meaning “green land,” is said to have misled outsiders, as areas with ice and snow were named Greenland, while verdant regions were called Iceland.
Guo explained the historical significance of Viking alliances, including Denmark and Sweden, forming a formidable Viking league that gradually dissolved into various countries. Greenland remained under Danish rule throughout this period.
Greenland’s importance lies in three key factors. Firstly, its strategic position between Europe and North America makes it a critical aviation route, particularly for flights passing through the Arctic, essential for missile trajectories from Russia to the US. Secondly, Greenland boasts abundant natural resources like iron ore, various metals, rare earth minerals, oil, and natural gas. Lastly, the untapped opportunities for Arctic development, with potential resources surpassing those in the Middle East, make it a valuable asset.
He also discussed the potential significance of the Arctic Ocean’s oil reserves, estimated to exceed those in the Middle East. With the US already having Alaska, acquiring Greenland would reinforce its status as an Arctic nation.
Editor-in-chief Shi Shan stated that given the warming climate, the Northern Sea Route through the Arctic Ocean could become a vital shortcut for maritime transport from Russia to Europe, offering faster transit than conventional routes. Greenland’s placement along this route adds to its strategic significance, potentially becoming a crucial entry point into Europe’s Atlantic region.
As for the US expansion history, he cited notable instances like the acquisition of Alaska and the Louisiana Purchase from France, expanding the US from its original 13 states to the current 50 states through migration, purchase, and conflicts.
Considering the possibility of Greenland joining the US, Shi Shan noted the cheaper immigration costs for mainland Chinese to move to Greenland and potentially influence future voting outcomes. Highlighting the peaceful US territorial expansions and potential scenarios for Greenland, he speculated on various pathways the island could take, emphasizing the importance of Greenlandic residents’ choices in the matter.
Li Jun mentioned that if he were a resident of Greenland, he would indeed be willing to join the US. With limited Danish support and potential economic benefits akin to Alaska’s prosperity post-annexation, joining the US could provide similar advantages. He envisioned Greenland either becoming a state or an autonomous territory similar to Saipan.
In this context, the program “Elite Forum” offered a comprehensive platform bringing together global elites to discuss critical issues and provide deep insights into societal events and historical truths. The episode’s contents were made available online for viewers.
The program’s production team
Reproduction and citation of Elite Forum’s articles must maintain the original content and indicate the source.