VCE Global Politics Unit 1 AOS 1: 'Greenland' Evidence

What is happening to ice in the Arctic?

Over the last 30 years, summer sea ice in the Arctic has declined by 30%, and scientists project that the region might be free from summer ice between 2040 and 2045.

If the ice melts, what routes will be opened up in the Arctic?

The Transpolar Route and the Northwest Passage, reducing shopping time from Europe to Asia from 48 to 19 days. China wants to utilise these passages, as announced in the ‘Polar Silk Road’ initiative.

Why is Greenland so valuable for mining?

It has known deposits of 43 out of 50 of the world’s critical minerals, which are essential for technologies that produce, transmit, store and conserve energy.

When did Greenland stop issuing mining licences?

Greenland stopped issuing licences for oil and gas exploration in 2021, and had only 2 active mines in 2023.

What is the relation between the US and Greenland?

Since 1951, the US had maintained the Pituffik Space Base in Northern Greenland, and it is a key part of the country’s missile warning system. It also reopened the Nuuk Consulate in June 2020.

What is the relation between Russia and Greenland?

Russia has constructed 475 military sites along their Arctic coastline in the last 6 years.

What was Greenland’s self-government act?

An act in 2009 that said, ‘With the right to self-determination and the goal of independence, our country and people aim to increase their cooperation with other countries.’

What was the Russian-Chinese memorandum of understanding?

In April 2023, a Russian-Chinese memorandum of understanding on maritime law enforcement was created, in which they stated they would engage in ‘join anti-submarine and anti-aircraft exercies.’

How does China view itself in relation to the Arctic?

As an ‘active participant, builder, and contributor in Arctic affairs’ with observer status in the Arctic Council since 2013.

When was China’s Arctic Policy White Paper created, and what did it say?

China’s Arctic Policy White Paper was published in 2018, stating that ‘China has shared interests with Arctic States and a shared future with the rest of the world in the Arctic’, and the Polar Silk Road initiative was announced.

What did the Danish Prime Minister say in regard to the sale of Greenland?

Prime Minister Frederikson stated that Greenland is ‘not for sale’ and that ‘Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.’

How much has China recently invested in Greenland?

The U.S Committee on Foreign Affairs says that from 2012 to 2017 China invested over $2 billion in Greenland, over 12% of the country’s GDP.

How much of the Arctic coastline is Russian?

53%

What is Greenland’s relationship with Denmark?

It is a colony of Denmark, but it had been fully self-governed since 2009 and autonomous except for foreign policy, currency policy and security policy. It is an independent member of the EU, NATO and the UN.

What are some examples of Chinese investment in the Arctic?

Yellow River Station in Svalbard, the creation of Xuelong and Xuelong 2 icebreakers, and the BeiDou satellite navigation system.

What is some evidence that China and Russia have been working together?

In August 2023, a fleet of 11 Russian and Chinese warships sailed from the Sea of Japan through the Bering Strait. Russian news agency Interfax said that the ships were conducting ‘joint anti-submarine and anti-aircraft exercises.’

What did Russia do in 2007 and to stake its claim in the Arctic?

Placed a Russian flag at the North Pole, claiming ‘The Arctic is Russian.’

What are some examples of Russian investment in the Arctic?

In 2019, Russia established 14 airfields and 6 military bases and refurbished 16 deep-water ports and 10 border posts in the Arctic. It also has 40 icebreakers.