Trump recently reiterated his ambition to control Greenland and did not rule out the possibility of using military force to achieve his goals. His son, Donald Trump Jr., also suddenly appeared in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, on January 7, and was warmly welcomed. Why does Trump want to buy Greenland? Is this transaction feasible?
What is Greenland's significance?
Greenland is located in the North Atlantic between Europe and North America and has long been a link in the tense relations between global powers. In addition to being larger than Mexico and Saudi Arabia, Greenland also has a strategic position spanning the North Atlantic and the Arctic, with a wealth of important minerals and fossil fuels that attract the attention of the United States, Russia, and China. It is home to the northernmost U.S. military base (Pituffik) and radar stations used for detecting missile threats and monitoring space.
Additionally, as global warming leads to the melting of Arctic ice, new shipping routes are gradually opening, which can significantly shorten the shipping distance between Eurasia and North America, having major implications for international trade and military strategy.
Has the United States previously engaged in similar land purchase transactions?
The United States purchased Alaska from the Soviet Union for $7.2 million in 1867. At that time, many believed Alaska was a desolate land of ice and snow, criticizing the stupidity of the transaction. However, it later proved that Alaska not only has extremely high strategic value but also boasts rich resources such as oil, natural gas, and mining.
Before purchasing Alaska, the United States bought Louisiana from France for $15 million in 1803. The Danish government sold what is now the U.S. Virgin Islands for $25 million in 1917.
How will Trump buy Greenland?
According to Bloomberg, Denmark cannot sell Greenland because its 2009 Home Rule Act clearly states that 'Greenlanders are their own people', indicating Greenland's independence. Trump's greatest hope is for the territory to gain independence and then choose to arrange for its sale to the United States. The issue of Greenland's separation from Denmark has long been discussed, and last year local legislators published a draft constitution for an independent country—though complete independence might still be a way off for this island with a population of 57,000.
Greenland's Prime Minister Mute B. Egede recently called on the people of Greenland to unite in promoting independence amid Trump's interest.
Egede has been pushing for independence from Denmark, and it is expected that if he wins the next election in April, he will organize a referendum. He has repeatedly emphasized that Greenland is not for sale, but he also highlights that Greenland is 'open for business' and hopes to strengthen ties with neighboring countries.
Clearly, Trump's desire to buy Greenland is not just empty talk; it considers the realistic possibility. Let us wait and see if this business genius has the opportunity to complete this historic deal!
This article 'Trump Wants to Buy Greenland: What is Greenland's Importance? Is it Feasible?' first appeared in Link News ABMedia.
