Why Trump wants to take over Greenland, the Panama Canal – The Militant

Growing capitalist rivalry in Arctic

Since its invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has reopened dozens of Soviet military bases in the Arctic and increased submarine patrols and exercises there.

Beijing has acquired mining operations in Greenland. Chinese capitalists seek control over shipping lanes in the Arctic, which offer shorter export routes than some they now use. Under Trump’s first presidency, the Pentagon successfully pressed the Danish government to block Beijing from financing three airports in Greenland.

U.S. and rival capitalists also covet Greenland’s profitable deposits of oil, natural gas, graphite and other rare-earth elements that are used in manufacturing many high-tech goods.

“Our future and fight for independence is our own business,” Greenland’s prime minister, Mute Egede, said in response to Trump’s remarks, before adding he looks forward to talks with Trump.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen says she wants to keep hold of Greenland, but would welcome an increase in the U.S. military presence there. The rival governments of France and Germany both condemned Trump’s comments....

Why Trump wants to take over Greenland, the Panama Canal – The Militant