Greenland

A 2026 framework to update the 1951 U.S.-Denmark defense treaty for Greenland focuses on establishing sovereign U.S. military base zones, expanding missile defense, and securing mining rights to counter China and Russia. Non-NATO countries are blocked from acquiring, developing, or controlling critical mineral resources. The deal allows the US to bypass certain local regulations and restricts non-NATO nations from mining rare earth minerals.

Details include

• The U.S. may create exclusive military zones, similar to British bases in Cyprus, where American law applies, effectively treating these areas as U.S. territory.

• Enables the deployment of a "Golden Dome" missile defense system, utilizing sensors and interceptors to protect the Arctic.

• The U.S. aims to secure rights to mine rare earth minerals without prior approval from Denmark, focusing on resources near the ice sheet.

• The agreement reinforces 1951 rights, allowing the U.S. to station personnel, build infrastructure, and control transportation across the island without relying on Danish permission.

• The deal aims to prevent Russia and China from acquiring mining rights or influence on the island and aims to increase U.S. control, Denmark to save face, is allowed to retain the appearance of overall sovereignty. The agreement is designed to modernize defense cooperation in the North Atlantic.