Trump's Intention to Buy Greenland Sends Message to China and Russia

US President Donald Trump, who daringly expressed his desire to purchase Greenland last week, may have sent a message regarding the new competition for control of the icy island against China and Russia, reports NYP.

Both sides have significant interest in the region, as climate change has led to the discovery of new maritime routes. “Trump's approach may be foolish, but he is sending serious messages to Russia and China: stay out of Greenland,” said former head of the Danish Navy, Vice Admiral Niels Van. “This is a turning point.”

Russia has long allocated substantial resources to the area, frequently using it for military research. With the melting ice, military exercises are developing, new radar stations are opening, and military bases are being established. In April, a Norwegian fisherman caught a mysterious submarine off the Arctic coast, equipped with Russian surveillance equipment, according to the Times.

China also has projects in Greenland. According to the BBC, China has acquired commercial icebreakers. “They are looking for alternative supply routes in case they face potential future problems in the South Korean Sea,” says expert John Posthson. “The Chinese are certainly very interested in potential routes for navigation through the Arctic, especially as the climate warms, the ice melts, and those northern sea routes become more open and accessible.”