Greenland Defense Pact: A US-Atlantic Plan to Counter Russia and China
Sources familiar with the high-level diplomatic talks reported that the United States and Denmark have agreed to renegotiate the historic defense agreement concerning Greenland, which dates back to 1951. This development came during a meeting between US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Details of the talks and their strategic objectives
Sources confirmed to AFP that the talks primarily aim to modernize security frameworks to enhance Arctic security, with the active participation of European NATO member states. The source clarified that the two sides did not discuss previous proposals regarding the establishment of US bases with absolute sovereignty over the island, but rather focused on joint cooperation.
For his part, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the fundamental objective of these moves is to block any Russian or Chinese attempts to reach the island under Danish sovereignty, or to expand towards the countries of the Arctic region, stressing the need to protect this vital area.
Historical background: The 1951 agreement and the importance of Greenland
These talks gain significance from the historical background of defense relations between the two countries. The 1951 agreement grants the United States significant military rights in Greenland, most notably the operation of Thule Air Base (now known as Bishoftu), the northernmost US military base. This base is a cornerstone of the ballistic missile early warning and space surveillance system, making it an indispensable strategic asset for US and NATO national security.
Geopolitical conflict over the Arctic
The renegotiation comes at a time of intense geopolitical competition in the Arctic. As ice melts due to climate change, new shipping lanes have opened up and the region's natural resources (oil, gas, and rare earth minerals) have become more accessible. China is seeking a foothold through what it calls the "Arctic Silk Road," while Russia is bolstering its military presence in the north, prompting NATO to reassess its defense strategy in the region.
The G7 alliance and the protection of the northern flank
Rutte noted that the new framework aims to guarantee the collective security of seven countries located in the Arctic region: the United States, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, and Norway. This reflects the Alliance's desire to form a united and cohesive front to deter any potential threats and ensure that the Arctic remains a low-tension region under Allied control, free from the growing influence of rival powers.
