US provides 1.3 billion yen in aid to Greenland to counter China-Russia, with some backlash
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Click here for details[Washington = Takeshi Nagasawa] On the 23rd, the US State Department announced that it would provide $12.1 million (approximately 1.3 billion yen) to Danish Greenland in the Arctic Circle. Energy development and education are the pillars, and it will compete with China and Russia, which are expanding their influence in the Arctic Circle. But Denmark is wary of a possible resurgence of U.S. purchases.
A senior State Department official described the aid as "resuming and revitalizing our engagement with Greenland." In the summer of 2020, a new consulate will be established in the largest city, Nuuk. In 1940, the United States established a consulate in the city in preparation for an invasion by Nazi Germany, but it closed in 1953.
Greenland is located between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, and covers an area of 2.16 million square kilometers, about 5.7 times larger than Japan. About 80% is covered in ice and snow, and the population is just 56,000. In recent years, however, Russia has established new military bases in the Arctic, while China has set up research laboratories in Iceland and elsewhere. It is also a rich production area of rare earths (rare earths), and its importance is increasing in resource development.
From this background, President Trump expressed his willingness to purchase in August 2019, but this caused a backlash from Denmark. A senior State Department official explained that the aid was "not intended for purchase, but to strengthen ties."
According to local media, Prime Minister Kielsen of the Greenlandic Autonomous Government welcomed the move, saying, "Our efforts to build a constructive relationship with the United States have come to fruition." However, it is said that the Danish parliament has erupted criticism such as "It is completely unacceptable" and "The United States cannot buy Greenland." Concerns are smoldering that Trump hasn't given up on the purchase.
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