Both China and Russia had strategic interests in Greenland prior to President Trump’s 2019 proposal to purchase the island. 
China’s Interests in Greenland
China’s engagement with Greenland began in the mid-2000s, primarily focusing on natural resources and infrastructure development. Notably, in 2012, Chinese companies expressed interest in mining projects such as the Kvanefjeld rare earth mine. These initiatives were part of China’s broader Arctic strategy, which includes the development of the “Polar Silk Road” to enhance trade routes and resource access in the Arctic region. China’s investments in Greenland were seen as efforts to secure critical minerals and establish a foothold in the Arctic.   
Russia’s Arctic Activities
Russia has long viewed the Arctic as a strategic priority, focusing on militarization and energy exploration. While Russia’s direct involvement in Greenland has been limited, its broader Arctic activities have implications for the region. Russia’s military buildup and energy projects in the Arctic have raised concerns among other Arctic nations, including the United States. 
In summary, both China and Russia had established interests in the Arctic and, by extension, Greenland, before President Trump’s 2019 proposal. Their activities in the region have contributed to the increasing geopolitical significance of Greenland in recent years.
Both China and Russia had strategic interests in Greenland prior to President Trump’s 2019 proposal to purchase the island. 
China’s Interests in Greenland
China’s engagement with Greenland began in the mid-2000s, primarily focusing on natural resources and infrastructure development. Notably, in 2012, Chinese companies expressed interest in mining projects such as the Kvanefjeld rare earth mine. These initiatives were part of China’s broader Arctic strategy, which includes the development of the “Polar Silk Road” to enhance trade routes and resource access in the Arctic region. China’s investments in Greenland were seen as efforts to secure critical minerals and establish a foothold in the Arctic.   
Russia’s Arctic Activities
Russia has long viewed the Arctic as a strategic priority, focusing on militarization and energy exploration. While Russia’s direct involvement in Greenland has been limited, its broader Arctic activities have implications for the region. Russia’s military buildup and energy projects in the Arctic have raised concerns among other Arctic nations, including the United States. 
In summary, both China and Russia had established interests in the Arctic and, by extension, Greenland, before President Trump’s 2019 proposal. Their activities in the region have contributed to the increasing geopolitical significance of Greenland in recent years.
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