U.S. and NATO Outline Greenland Framework Centered on Minerals

U.S. President Donald Trump and NATO outlined a framework for Greenland and the Arctic that links expanded defense cooperation with potential mineral development. China's state media reported Trump said discussions were productive and that planned U.S. tariffs on eight European countries would be suspended. No formal text has been released, but reports indicate the framework could include enlarged U.S. military deployments in Greenland, upgrades to the 1951 U.S.-Denmark defense agreement, and more NATO activity across the Arctic. Crucially, Greenland's deposits of rare earths, graphite, copper and nickel were cited as central to the talks, reflecting their importance for clean energy, semiconductors and defense supply chains. Danish leaders rejected any transfer of sovereignty, insisting Greenland remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark and that NATO's secretary general lacks authority to negotiate sovereignty on their behalf. NATO said discussions continue and that no sovereignty changes have been agreed. Analysts say the episode underscores how Arctic security and critical minerals are now intertwined, raising questions about alliance unity, supply-chain resilience and commercial opportunities for mining and defense firms.