As President Donald Trump formalizes plans to annex Greenland, experts suggest that South Korea should prepare to secure Arctic routes and develop capabilities for military operations and economic activities in the region.
A report released on Tuesday by Lee Jae-jun, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Defense Analysis (KIDA), titled, U.S. Attempts to Annex Greenland and Intensifying Great Power Competition in the Arctic, indicates that the U.S. move is driven by Greenland’s elevated status due to climate change and intensified competition with China and Russia.
Lee analyzes that climate change has significantly increased Greenland’s geopolitical value as Arctic routes become more navigable, making it a crucial strategic location between Europe and the U.S. The potential establishment of a space-based missile defense system support base in Greenland further enhances its strategic importance for the U.S.
Greenland’s rare earth minerals are another critical factor in future strategic industries. Lee suggests that the Trump administration likely views these resources as essential for advanced technologies such as fighter jets, lasers, and electric vehicles (EVs). Securing Greenland could help counterbalance China’s dominance in the rare earth mineral supply chain.
The report also highlights the expanding influence of China and Russia in the Arctic as a contributing factor. Russia has bolstered its military presence in the region since 2014, establishing the Arctic Joint Strategic Command and deploying strategic nuclear submarines to counter the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces.
While not an Arctic nation, China is actively pursuing its Ice Silk Road strategy as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Beijing is strengthening its diplomatic influence by joining Arctic-related international organizations and forging free trade agreements with Arctic-adjacent countries. This aligns with President Xi Jinping’s 2014 vision of China as a Great Arctic Power and its self-proclaimed status as a Near-Arctic State.
Lee notes that the U.S. Arctic strategy of 2019 identified security threats from Russia and China in the region. As these nations continue to expand their military and economic presence, the need for effective countermeasures becomes increasingly apparent.
South Korea, recognizing Greenland’s economic potential, has prioritized Arctic route development under the Lee Jae Myung administration. The report recommends that Seoul strengthen cooperation with its U.S. and Nordic allies to enhance its Arctic capabilities amidst intensifying great power competition.
Given South Korea’s limited ability to deploy military forces in Arctic routes, Lee emphasizes the need for bilateral and multilateral security cooperation to ensure safe passage. In the long term, he advises South Korea to bolster its naval capabilities for Arctic operations and develop strategic concepts tailored to the unique challenges of the region.