Greenland Deal Counters China and Russia, and It Cost the U.S. Nothing

The United States, Denmark, and Greenland have signed an agreement amending the 1951 defense pact, granting the U.S. permanent military access and expanding operations at Pituffik Space Base. The deal restricts non-NATO countries from establishing military installations and limits foreign control in sensitive sectors like mining, aiming to counter Russian and Chinese influence. This agreement, with no end date and no cost to the U.S. taxpayer for the base access itself, builds upon existing defense cooperation.

• A new U.S.-Danish defense agreement grants the United States permanent military access to Greenland, effective upon parliamentary procedures in Denmark and Greenland.
• The agreement amends the 1951 pact, allowing U.S. expansion at Pituffik Space Base and potential new defense areas, while restricting non-NATO military presence.
• It includes provisions to counter espionage and limit foreign control in critical sectors like mining and infrastructure, specifically addressing concerns about Russia and China.
• The deal provides no payment to Denmark or Greenland for military access, though the U.S. will cover base operations and prioritize Greenlandic businesses for contracts.
• Greenland holds significant rare earth reserves, with a Chinese firm having a stake in one deposit, highlighting the strategic importance of the region.