US working on Greenland deal to pitch to island leaders — The Economist

Washington is considering the possibility of concluding a Compact of Free Association. This format of cooperation envisages improving the standard of living of Greenland's inhabitants.

The US already has similar agreements with Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau. The United States provides financial assistance to its partners, who in turn delegate defense issues to the US while retaining internal autonomy.

According to The Economist, the Trump administration's strategy towards Greenland has two objectives: to exacerbate differences between Denmark and Greenland and to try to establish direct agreements with local authorities, bypassing Copenhagen.

At the same time, the agency considers the scenario of the island's direct accession to the US to be unrealistic and emphasizes that American statements have caused concern among European leaders.

The Economist also points out that there is already a US military base operating in Greenland, and that existing agreements with Denmark do not set limits on the number of US troops.

However, a significant increase in the contingent would likely require the consent of the Danish side. On January 4, Donald Trump said that control over Greenland is important for US national security, explaining this by the presence of Russian and Chinese ships near the island.

Background

After US President Donald Trump returned to power, he began talking about his desire to annex Greenland.

Recently, Katie, the wife of Trump's internal security advisor Stephen Miller, posted a map on social media showing Greenland colored in the colors of the US flag.

After that, Trump resumed his statements about Greenland and said recently that America needs the island for defense. He also said that the Russian and Chinese fleets allegedly surround Greenland.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller also said that Greenland should become part of the US as part of the American security system. At the same time, he did not rule out a military takeover of the island.