Why Greenland Trump Coveted Wants Independence from Denmark [AK Radio]

Resentment Over Denmark’s Colonial Rule in the Past
Rare Earth Veins Revealed by Global Warming
Possibility of Incorporation Into U.S. Sphere of Influence Rather Than Direct Rule

The international community's attention is focused as President-elect Donald Trump of the United States expresses a strong determination to purchase Greenland, a Danish territory. Some even suggest the possibility of a military occupation, indicating the strength of Trump’s resolve. In response, the Danish government has immediately voiced opposition, and there is speculation that this could become a new source of conflict among NATO member countries. Experts analyze that this move involves a complex strategy beyond mere territorial expansion, encompassing military security and resource acquisition.

Greenland is the world's largest island and currently an autonomous territory of Denmark. Located in the Arctic Circle, it is geographically closer to Canada than to Denmark and has had the authority to hold a referendum on independence since 2009. Positioned strategically between the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean, Greenland holds historical significance as well. Notably, it served as the first base for Vikings before their expansion into the American continent. The Vikings reached the current eastern Quebec region of Canada via Greenland, marking the earliest European entry into the Americas. This historical background further highlights Greenland’s strategic value today.

The first reason for the United States’ strong interest in securing Greenland is diplomatic and security-related. Following the war in Ukraine, Russia and China have become adversaries of the U.S., with Russia expanding its military presence by building missile bases and naval ports in the Arctic region. Last year, Russia and China conducted joint naval exercises in the Arctic Circle, and there were even near-collisions with U.S. vessels. Russian fleets and nuclear submarines are frequently spotted in the waters of Greenland and Canada, which is perceived as a serious threat not only by the U.S. but also by Canada and European Arctic nations. In this context, Greenland is regarded as a key stronghold for Arctic defense. Military experts analyze that Greenland holds extremely high strategic value in the U.S. Arctic defense system and is expected to play a crucial role in countering Russia’s Arctic Ocean advances.

On the 10th (local time), M?te Egede, the head of the Greenland Self-Government, held a press conference in Copenhagen. At the conference, he declared his will for independence, saying, "I want to be Greenlandic, not American or Danish." Photo by AFP and Yonhap News.

The second reason is the massive acquisition of natural resources. Due to global warming, Greenland’s ice volume has decreased by more than 47% compared to 1970, revealing mineral resources hidden beneath the ice. Of particular note is the rare earth element deposits, estimated to be worth $10 trillion (approximately 1,500 trillion KRW). Rare earth elements are essential not only for manufacturing key military equipment such as stealth fighters, aircraft carriers, and tanks but also serve as core raw materials in advanced electronics and renewable energy facilities in civilian industries. Currently, China controls over 75% of the global rare earth supply chain, making Greenland’s acquisition critical for the U.S. to prepare for potential supply disruptions in future conflicts with China. Experts analyze that securing these resources is directly linked to the U.S.’s military and economic interests. Especially for future industrial development and military enhancement, securing a stable rare earth supply chain is indispensable, which will further increase Greenland’s strategic value.

In this situation, the Greenland autonomous government has shown a noteworthy stance. While hoping for independence from Denmark, it has clearly stated that it does not wish to be incorporated into the United States. Greenland was colonized by Denmark for about 400 years since the 17th century, and the indigenous Inuit people suffered ethnic oppression due to Denmark’s forced assimilation policies in the 19th century. At that time, Denmark forcibly adopted Inuit children into Danish families, implementing coercive assimilation policies. This is considered a historical pain similar to the ethnic oppression Korea experienced during Japanese colonial rule. Since the 1970s, independence movements have continued, but economic independence remains difficult due to Denmark’s annual subsidies amounting to $500 million.

However, expectations for independence are rising as resource development possibilities increase. Greenland, with a population of about 56,000, is expected to achieve economic self-reliance through natural resource development even without Danish subsidies. If regional development through foreign capital attraction is activated, independent economic growth without Denmark’s financial support is considered feasible. Especially if rare earth development becomes full-scale, Greenland could emerge as a global resource-rich country. Economic experts predict that considering the value of Greenland’s natural resources, economic self-reliance is achievable if an appropriate development strategy is established.

AFP Yonhap News

Meanwhile, international relations experts offer various analyses regarding scenarios expected if Greenland gains independence. Some suggest that Greenland’s independence could actually increase the possibility of U.S. annexation. However, as the U.S. is a UN-led country, annexing a newly independent state would pose significant diplomatic burdens, making it more likely that the U.S. would choose indirect methods such as defense treaty agreements or securing priority rights for resource extraction rather than direct annexation. Considering the relationship with Denmark, a NATO ally, the U.S. is expected to take a cautious approach.

Recently, diverse interpretations have emerged within the U.S. government regarding the intent behind Trump’s strong statements. Some view it as a negotiation tactic to gain practical influence, and there is speculation that the U.S. might propose economic support exceeding twice the current Danish subsidies. Additionally, plans to expand investment in Greenland and increase military base presence to enhance actual influence are reportedly under consideration.

Moreover, China has openly shown interest in Greenland, raising the possibility that it could become a new arena for U.S.-China competition. China has already attempted investments in Greenland’s rare earth mining, which is a target of U.S. containment efforts. In this context, Greenland’s future is expected to become a new variable in the U.S.-China hegemonic rivalry.

Ultimately, Greenland’s future will likely be determined by the concrete actions President-elect Trump takes after inauguration, the responses of the Danish government and Greenland’s autonomous government, and the reactions of the international community. Experts predict that given the complex intertwining of various national interests surrounding Greenland, a gradual competition for influence rather than dramatic changes will continue in the short term.

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