WASHINGTON (PNN) - September 19, 2026 - The United States has infinite military basing in Greenland, permanent overflight, and bases can be expanded at will without further discussion. The U.S. has right of first refusal of any mineral deal. No other country can have military personnel or bases in Greenland. There is no cost to the U.S. for this. Any actual development of
minerals will be negotiated.
There has been activity by China trying to get Greenland access for minerals and for infrastructure involvement. This also happened in Panama and there are Belt and Road initiatives. Greece port is one that is not in U.S. interests. Greenland is considered part of the Munro doctrine of United States traditional control of the Western hemisphere.
Greenland is a party, not just Denmark. It is written to survive independence. Officials say U.S. access, basing and overflight continue even if Greenlanders later vote to leave the Kingdom.
There is an explicit ban on non-NATO military presence. No Chinese or Russian bases, troops or “military presence”. The 1951 text never named adversaries that way.
United States written approval is required for “sensitive investments”. Non-allies cannot put money into critical minerals, strategic infrastructure and similar sectors without Washington’s consent.
An expanded U.S. military footprint is permitted without further review once this is ratified. The legal right to grow bases already existed under 1951 if Denmark agreed. The new pact is meant to make that expansion more durable and less consultative in practice.
There will be no annexation. Denmark and Greenland say sovereignty and Greenlanders’ right of self-determination remain intact.
