Greenland: Melting Ice and Growing Geopolitical Importance

Greenland is gaining critical geopolitical importance as Arctic ice melts due to global warming. Its location between the US and Russia makes it a crucial frontier.

The shrinking Arctic sea ice is opening new shipping routes, such as the Northern Sea Route ('Polar Silk Road'), reducing distances between Europe and Asia. In 2024, crossings through the Bering Strait increased by 175% compared to 2010.

Several countries, including the US, Canada, Denmark, Norway, and Russia, have claims in the Arctic. The US already has a military presence in Greenland, while Russia has opened military bases and restored Soviet infrastructure. China declared itself a 'near-Arctic state' in 2018.

Greenland also holds significant reserves of rare earth minerals, with an estimated eighth-largest deposit in the world. China's Shenghe Resources is the largest shareholder in the Kvanefjeld project.