Wrestling in Greenland. Denmark, the United States and China in the land of ice
Wrestling in Greenland. Denmark, the United States and China in the land of ice

Author(s): Piotr Szymański
Subject(s): Environmental and Energy policy, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Political behavior, Comparative politics, Geopolitics
Published by: OSW Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich im. Marka Karpia
Keywords: Greenland; Denmark; USA; China; diversification of Greenland’s foreign relations; Chinese investments in mining in Greenland;
Summary/Abstract: International interest in Greenland has been growing for several years. This trend is a result of the increasing global competition between the US, China and Russia (including in the Arctic)and the acceleration of climate change, which is opening the region up to commercial and military activity. The independence aspirations of the island’s inhabitants are also of note in this context. Copenhagen seeks to maintain sovereignty over Greenland because it strengthens Denmark’s significance in the world and provides access to the Arctic. The US has increased its visibility in Greenland due to Chinese investments, and has even considered buying it. For Beijing, the island represents a potential area of economic expansion, providing a valid argument for China to become a major player in the Arctic. This growing interest pleases Greenlanders, who see balancing between Denmark, the US and China as an opportunity for new investments and building the economic foundations of sovereignty.

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