Canadian, Northern Europe leaders look to shore up defense of Arctic

TRENTON, Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney entered into discussions Thursday with Northern European leaders aimed at strengthening the defense of the Arctic Ocean and the surrounding territory.

On the agenda were defense, energy and climate, with defense being paramount.

The “middle” powers like Canada with borders on the Arctic – the so-called Nordic Five – are concerned that “big” players such as Russia, China and the US are not concerned with territorial rights but only wresting control of the Arctic region for themselves.

US President Donald Trump has said that he wants control of Greenland due to its geopolitical position, natural resources and potential northern shipping lanes as climate change melts the ice. Trump has said if necessary, he might take Greenland by force. The island is an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark

Carney was in Norway to observe the Cold Response exercise, in which 25,000 NATO soldiers are taking part, but also to talk mutual defense, energy and trade with the Nordic Five – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

He arrived in the Nordic country following a news conference in Yellowknife in Canada’s Northwest Territory, where he announced an ambitious plan to develop the long-neglected far north, including all-season roads and a deep-water port.

Carney said “true Canadian sovereignty” is centered in the Arctic.

The government is also planning to buy up to 12 submarines capable of patrolling the Arctic Ocean.

The measures are being taken so that Canada will no longer rely on others for defense.

The US and Canada share the world’s longest undefended border at 5,525 miles (8,891 kilometers) and have been close allies and trading partners and shared defense roles. But under Trump, that is no longer a certainty.