- Denmark disputes US criticism of Greenland's security but offers dialogue under 1951 defense pact
- Vice President Vance claims Greenland faces Russian/Chinese threats, advocates US control
- Only 6% of Greenlanders support annexation despite Arctic resource competition
- Climate change exposes $1.2T mineral reserves beneath melting ice sheets
Diplomatic friction intensified after Vice President JD Vance accused Denmark of neglecting Greenland's defense needs during a contentious March 2025 visit. Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen rebuked the toneof US demands while acknowledging shared Arctic security concerns. The dispute centers on Greenland's 836,300 square miles of territory, positioned between North America and Europe's northern shipping lanes.
Industry analysts note Greenland's rare earth metal deposits could supply 25% of global demand, intensifying Great Power competition. Unlike Alaska's straightforward US governance, Greenland operates under Denmark’s constitutional monarchy while managing 90% of domestic affairs. Rasmussen emphasized the existing 1951 defense agreement permits expanded US military infrastructure, rendering annexation unnecessary.
A regional case study emerges in Norway’s Svalbard Treaty model, which balances sovereignty with international research access. Danish officials propose similar frameworks for Greenland, combining NATO Article 5 protections with joint economic ventures. However, Trump administration statements suggest preference for direct control, citing Chinese icebreaker sightings near Disko Bay.
Greenland’s Premier Múte Bourup Egede recently approved three offshore drilling licenses to EU consortiums, countering US pressure. Environmental economists warn accelerated mining could damage fragile Arctic ecosystems, though 68% of Greenlandic youth prioritize economic development over conservation.
Pentagon reports confirm Russia upgraded seven northern bases since 2022, while China’s Polar Silk Road initiative invests $3.4B in Arctic ports. Rasmussen concluded: We must modernize partnerships, not revive colonial-era land grabs.The stalemate continues as US-Danish technical teams prepare June talks on Thule Air Base expansion.
