Part 5/8:
In recent years, discussions surrounding Greenland's importance have also evolved due to climate change. The melting Arctic ice is unveiling new shipping routes such as the Northwest Passage, which could alter global trade dynamics significantly. With less sea ice, the chance for China to exploit these routes increases, particularly through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to expand China's influence through global infrastructure projects.
In 2019, China attempted to gain a foothold in Greenland by proposing the construction of airports, which raised red flags in the U.S. Would a Chinese-controlled airport start a new wave of geopolitical tensions, akin to what would happen if they gained access to any potential military installations?