Trump’s Greenland, Panama statements tied to countering China's ambitions — expert

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV. 

"Both the issue of Greenland and the issue of Panama can be viewed through the prism of the future struggle against China's ambitions to strengthen its position in the global economy and geopolitics. And this is obvious, so I think Trump will try to, let's say, pressure the Panamanian authorities to create better conditions for the United States regarding the use of the Panama Canal. Perhaps there will be some agreements on lowering fees for its use and so on. In this sense, there could be a game here, and regarding China, there might be some measures to prevent it from freely transporting its goods from one hemisphere to another, thereby curbing its dominance. That is, I think the conditions could be improved specifically for the United States of America, although I am unsure how far the Panamanian government can go down this selective path. We will observe this now, but I do not foresee any military intervention in this country because that could trigger a chain of events that would be dangerous, including for the United States itself," he said.

Stanislav Zhelikhovskyi also does not predict the U.S. to use troops against Greenland.

"As for Greenland, I believe the focus here is on strengthening the role of the United States in business and security, especially against the backdrop of Russia and China increasing their presence in the Arctic Ocean. To enable the United States to use this island as a strategic foothold, shuttle diplomacy is taking place, including by Donald Trump’s son, to negotiate conditions for potentially deploying a military contingent or facilitating American business interests. This is aimed at preventing a greater presence of Chinese interests, especially as Greenland moves toward possibly gaining full sovereignty and control over its resources and strategic position. Therefore, I think there will be some struggle in this regard, but I also do not foresee any military intervention by the Americans in Greenland or its annexation," he noted.

According to the political scientist, Russia and China are increasing their presence in the Arctic Ocean and hope to pave new paths due to global warming.

“No, most likely Trump is also seeking favorable conditions for himself, i.e. he wants to secure these territories in the context of the natural resources that are there, and so on. And in the context of a strategic nature, so that the Americans can have more control over the Arctic waters. Especially since Russia and China are increasing their presence, hoping to pave new paths through global warming and also gain access to the resources that are under the Arctic Ocean shelf. And Washington can play such a game to fight for this region. And it may also be preparing for a possible direct confrontation, because it is possible that the Russian Federation will want to fully control the Arctic region, which is obviously not beneficial to either the United States or the entire free world,” added Stanislav Zhelikhovskyi. 

How Trump wants to “annex” territories

Panama Canal

On December 22, Trump said that Panama allegedly charges excessive fees for the use of the Panama Canal.

He believes that “If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, quickly and without question.”

Panama's president, Jose Raúl Mulino, noted that “every square meter of the Panama Canal and its surrounding area belongs to Panama.”

The United States built the Panama Canal in the early 1900s to help commercial and military ships travel between their coasts.

In 1999, the United States relinquished ownership of the waterway, more than 20 years after then-U.S. President Jimmy Carter signed an agreement with Panama.

In his Christmas greetings, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump once again expressed his desire to take over the Panama Canal, Canada, and Greenland.

Greenland

During his first term, Trump stated that he was considering the possibility of the U.S. purchasing Greenland and canceled a state visit to Denmark after Danish officials declared that the autonomous territory, which is part of the kingdom, was not for sale.

On December 22, Trump reiterated his intention to control Greenland:"For purposes of national security and freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity."

Prime Minister Múte Egede stated that Greenland is not for sale.

"Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our yearslong struggle for freedom," he said.

Following this, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced an increase in defense spending for the island. Poulsen called the announcement "ironic," as Trump had stated that ownership and control of Greenland were an "absolute necessity" for the United States.

On January 6, the King of Denmark altered the royal coat of arms, giving greater prominence to the symbols of Greenland and the Faroe Islands, which was seen as a rebuke to Donald Trump following his claims on Greenland.