Commentary
The fact that shipping on a large scale through the Northwest Passage might be a possibility in the not-so-distant future is one of the reasons why. The passage can cut shipping distances drastically, so huge amounts of money and fuel can be saved. Future passage from Asia to Europe via the Northeast Passage (also called the Northern Sea Route) and Northwest Passage would be incredibly valuable—strategically, militarily and commercially—for both Russia and China.
Northern security goes some way to explaining Donald Trump’s very public offer to buy Greenland. Whether he is serious about buying it, or just wants better access guarantees, is something known only to Trump and his closest advisers.
The prospect of Greenland falling under the control of its adversaries (and possible future enemies) must alarm the Pentagon. Is such a prospect remote? Consider the fact that there are only 56,000 Greenlanders. China and Russia, separately or jointly, could make each Greenlander a millionaire with $50 million. That is a small sum for those giants. Is it not possible that America wants to get to Greenlanders with an offer first? After all, Denmark has assured the Greenlanders that they can become independent with a simple vote. The prospect of becoming millionaires might have strong appeal to the relatively poor indigenous inhabitants of that huge, cold island. Trump’s concerns about the security of his nation are very real. He probably sees preventing China or Russia (separately or as a combined force) from gaining control of Greenland as absolutely vital.
But a glance at the map shows how close Greenland is to Canada. Trump probably has many of the same concerns about the vast, largely undefended Canadian Arctic that he has about Greenland. And some of Canada’s recent actions are probably causing alarm in the Trump camp.
The Foreign Interference Commission has emphasized that foreign actors not only target governments but also exploit indigenous communities.
The concern over CCP control of the Panama Canal is significant for Americans, and the potential for China/Russia control of the Northwest Passage is equally important. Should Canadians be worried about China’s secretive deals with semi-autonomous indigenous territories?
With the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples now a law in Canada, could indigenous groups in semi-autonomous territories assert tribal law over Canadian laws? The Supreme Court has already ruled that tribal law can supersede Charter protections in some cases.
Nunavut is not the only part of Canada being ceded to indigenous groups. Haida Gwaii in British Columbia is also set to have a similar status to Nunavut.
BC’s government seems inclined to give other parts of the province to various First Nations, allowing them to make their own laws and commercial agreements, potentially including deals with CCP-controlled companies.
The combination of DRIPA and UNDRIP could empower indigenous groups to assert sovereignty despite government opposition. Canadian courts have been supportive of indigenous claims, raising concerns about separatist movements and business deals with CCP-controlled corporations.
How will the US view these developments? Will Americans tolerate Canada ceding sovereignty to groups who see themselves as victims of colonization?
Under pressure from the US, Canada is promising to enhance its northern defence and build more icebreakers.
As Canada faces a federal election and renegotiates agreements with the US, it must prioritize northern defence, NATO commitments, and rebuilding its armed forces. Collaboration with indigenous communities to strengthen Arctic defence may be crucial for overall security.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and may not reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Please rewrite this sentence.
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