US Envoy States Return to Greenland, More Military Bases to be Added

(CNA, Nuuk, 20th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) U.S. Envoy to Greenland Jeff Landry told AFP in an interview today that Washington must rebuild its influence in the Danish autonomous territory. Greenland, an Arctic island, has been coveted by U.S. President Trump. According to AFP, at the height of the Cold War, Washington had 17 military installations in Greenland, but they have been closed down over the years, leaving only one today: the Pituffik Base in northern Greenland. Trump has repeatedly argued that for national security reasons, the United States must control Greenland. He claims that if not, the island risks falling into the hands of China or Russia. Greenland is located on the shortest missile flight path between Russia and the United States. Furthermore, it is widely believed to hold untapped rare earth minerals, and as the polar ice melts and new shipping routes emerge, Greenland's strategic position will become even more critical. "I think it's time for the United States to re-establish its footprint in Greenland," Landry told AFP at the conclusion of his first visit to Greenland since taking office last December. He said, "I think you're seeing the president talk about how to enhance national security operations and re-station in some of these bases in Greenland. Greenland needs America." According to recent media reports, the United States plans to add three new bases in southern Greenland. (Translator: Chen Yu-Ting)