Behind Trump’s Greenland Comment, Years of Concern Over Growing China, Russia Influence

Both the Trump and Biden administrations have warned about rising risks in the Arctic over the last 8 years. - Emel Akan 

“I’m not going to commit to that,” Trump said on Jan. 7 when asked if he would rule out using military or economic coercion to control both Greenland and the Panama Canal...

• One of the benefits of Trump’s approach, whether intentional or not, is that it creates public discourse on issues that would typically be handled behind the scenes, Michael Walsh, a U.S. foreign policy expert, told The Epoch Times.
• “It stirs discussion and debate. And you’re seeing that right now. You hear people on the metro talking about Greenland and Panama,” Walsh said...

During Trump’s first term, the State Department worked to deepen ties with both islands to counter Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. 

These concerns persisted under Biden, who introduced an Arctic strategy in 2022 to counter growing competition, especially China’s “Polar Silk Road.” Walsh noted that both administrations share similar views on the risks in the region...

• China in recent years has been ambitiously developing its commercial and military capabilities in the Arctic. 
• In addition, Russian and Chinese warships are operating together more frequently in the region...

“Greenland is important because the Arctic has become important,” Gordon Chang, political commentator and China expert, told The Epoch Times. “And China and Russia are seeking to control the Arctic.”...