Greenland: Where is the territory and who controls it?

The US has long maintained security interests in Greenland. After Nazi Germany occupied the Danish mainland during World War II, the United States occupied Greenland and established military and radio stations in the area.

After the war, US forces remained in Greenland. Pituffic Space Base, formerly known as Thule Air Base, has been operated by the United States ever since.

A 1951 defense treaty with Denmark gave the United States a significant role in the area’s defense, including the right to establish and maintain military bases.

“If Russia were to send a missile to the United States, the shortest route to a nuclear weapon would be through the North Pole and Greenland,” said Mark Jacobsen, an associate professor at the Royal Danish Defense College.

“That’s why Pituffic Space Base is so important to defending the United States.”

According to an article by the Arctic Institute, China and Russia have begun increasing their military capabilities in the Arctic in recent years. The newspaper urged the US to further develop its presence in the Arctic to counter its rivals.

On Wednesday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said Denmark was open to discussions with the United States, adding that Washington had “legitimate” interests in the region.

“We see Russia arming itself. We also see China showing interest,” Rasmussen said.

Mr. Jacobsen added that Trump is also likely interested in mining potential across the vast expanse of Greenland.

“Of particular interest are the rare earth minerals in southern Greenland that are not yet mined today. They are extremely important in all kinds of technology, from mobile phones to wind turbines.”