Following the conclusion of the 2024 election, President Donald J. Trump made his goals for territorial expansion very clear during his term. However, it has confused many people, including his voter base, as to why he wants these territories and calls to question whether he is becoming a tyrant within the few days he has been in office. His territorial claims are baffling, but it is evident that they align with the American First agenda that drove his campaign. Regarding relaxing back from our allies and focusing on the United States, two substantial weak spots could threaten the nation's sovereignty.
Greenland is becoming the focal point of international trade and relations as the century progresses. Due to the catastrophic damages of global warming, the ice at the North Pole has retracted so far back that the global powers have recognized the opportunity for new trade routes and military strategic dominance.
China has created a modern-day Silk Road in the Middle East and East Africa. In 2013, China launched its “Silk Road Initiative,” a global infrastructure project focusing on railway, highway, and port construction. This has helped secure Chinese dominance in trade and access to precious resources like oil and raw materials that strengthen the PRC. It forces nations to align their foreign policies with China’s, benefiting these developing nations. This not only strengthens China's global presence but also gives them access to all infrastructure as it is leased until the nations can pay back the investments, allowing for the potential expansion of the Chinese military global hegemon.
In the context of Greenland, this means that because of these new shipping lanes, China wants to expand its presence unto them as rare earth minerals are more accessible with the glacier retreat. For instance, the Kvanfjeld Project is an Australian mining company with a significant stake owned by the Chinese state-owned enterprise Shenghe Resources, and the Isua Iron Ore Project is spearheaded by the Chinese Company “General Nice Group” to extract resources from China. However, it wasn’t until Chinese firms made a bid for contracts to build airports and other infrastructure projects that the Western nations became concerned. In 2018, Greenland rejected the bid due to U.S. pressure, as the infrastructure would’ve put the states within striking distance.
To secure the United States’ territorial integrity, Greenland must become a territory of the United States, as the people of Greenland are incapable of self-governing due to their dependency on Denmark. It will benefit the United States economically and militarily, securing our northern flank. With the resources available to the United States and being able to secure Arctic military dominance, it is no wonder the President has interests in this territory and believes it is in the best interest of the United States' foreign policy to secure and protect our home.
In 1914, the Panama Canal was constructed as a shortcut so that shipping didn’t have to travel around the entire continent of South America. This was also imperative for the United States as a growing global naval power, allowing for quick redeployments of the navy from the North Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. However, as President Trump noted, it was a mistake on former President Carter’s behalf to gift the Panama Canal to Panama as it put America’s territorial integrity at risk.
China has also taken advantage of this weakness as Chinese state-owned companies such as the China COSCO Shipping Corporation and China Harbour Engineering Company have invested in port facilities near the canal. Such investments would be that COSCO operates terminals in Colon's Atlantic port and Balboa's Pacific port. Another Chinese company, Landbridge Group, manages Margarita Island’s port, a major logistical hub.
On top of the fact that Panama’s largest trading partner is China, it is very concerning to the United States’ foreign policy. It is why President Trump wants the canal to be returned to the United States.
Arguably, this makes Trump not a tyrannical leader but one who can see the future consequences of letting these territories slip into the grasp of China, which would slowly dismantle the United States from its superpower status. Yes, it is an adjustment from the previous administration's foreign policy agenda; however, Trump must acquire these territories even if military force is required; as he suggested, as a last resort, he isn’t afraid of using them. Although the paranoia that the American people suffer from is justified due to the destructive conclusion of the Biden administration, it may be better to trust the man who places America First to act on these unconventional agendas to bring back the strength and respect the United States deserves.
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