Greenland: A New Frontier of Competition for the U.S., China and Russia?

Greenland has become increasingly strategic in the evolving geopolitics of the Arctic, reflecting its importance for regional security, emerging maritime routes, and access to critical resources. Recent U.S. discussions about acquiring the territory have brought Greenland to the forefront of transatlantic security debates, raising questions about alliance cohesion and sovereignty. President Donald Trump has framed control of Greenland as critical for U.S. national security, particularly in the context of strategic competition with China and Russia in the Arctic.

Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine reshaped Arctic security dynamics and accelerated Moscow’s military build-up in the region, while Finland and Sweden’s NATO accession further altered the regional strategic balance. These developments have heightened focus on Greenland’s role in NATO’s northern defense posture, especially regarding early warning systems and maritime surveillance. Russia’s deepening cooperation with China in Arctic governance—including joint exercises and coordination on Northern shipping routes—has further raised concerns about the broader strategic implications of this partnership.

Greenland’s deposits of rare earth elements and other critical minerals have also attracted international interest, particularly as Western governments seek to reduce supply chain dependencies on China. Climate change is amplifying these dynamics by making previously inaccessible resources viable for extraction and opening new Arctic shipping routes. This backgrounder provides an overview of Greenland’s growing role in U.S. strategic thinking, evaluates the extent of Chinese and Russian involvement, and analyzes the implications for Arctic security and the island’s future governance.