Dutch PM Mark Rutte Highlights Growing Russian And Chinese Presence In Newly Opened Northern Sea Lanes

NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte spoke of opening sea lanes not only in Greenland but across the entire High North. “We see that Russians and Chinese are becoming increasingly active” he told RTL and ntv during the Munich Security Conference. “Now we are taking two steps simultaneously. First, NATO members are joining forces with the United States, Canada, and Europe to defend the High North against these new Russian and Chinese developments. That is truly important”.

Second, concerning Greenland, he added that the United States is meeting with Greenlandic and Danish officials to discuss what happens if Greenland were to amend its constitution within the Kingdom of Denmark. “We can then ensure our engagement remains secure, and we must prevent Russia and China from gaining access to Greenland” he said.