My TakeIn Greenland as in Hong Kong – the same subversive US playbook
- Washington will try to stir the pot wherever there are local discontents in strategically important regions of the world
Its people are promised backing from Washington, to the consternation of its main government. Many of them are not happy with the latter, despite support and subsidies, both direct and indirect. Since their territory has no control over military and diplomatic affairs, some are agitating for independence or at least autonomy.
Sensing an opportunity in an increasingly important region for trade, oil and military competition against China, Washington is trying to drive a wedge between the locals and their sovereign government.
No, I am not talking about Hong Kong and the central government in Beijing, but Greenland and its relationship with Denmark. Both sets of political arrangements are remarkably similar. There is, though, a bit of a paradox: the former is tiny but has a population of almost 7.5 million, while the latter is the world’s largest island with just 56,000 inhabitants. Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy and Greenland is self-governing.
But into their respective complicated relationships with their sovereigns, the perennial troublemaker, the United States, is trying to insert itself. The US is now offering a US$12 million financial package to Greenland to “jump-start” US engagement and boost the island’s economy. It is also setting up a consulate there.
Many Danish politicians are up in arms. A former minister told the Financial Times: “The US is clearly working to undermine the Kingdom of Denmark.” Another accused Washington of trying to drive a wedge between Greenland and Denmark, and urged Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to “draw a line in the ice cap”.