Melissa Chen - The Greenland Debate EXPOSES The West’s Blindspot

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Jan 24, 2026

Melissa Chen, journalist and China analyst specializing in geopolitical risk. She unpacks why Greenland is a strategic linchpin for Arctic security. Short takes on missile corridors, early warning systems, and Thule base. Discusses China’s Polar Silk Road, dual-use projects, rare earth leverage, and how logistics and influence shape great-power competition.

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INSIGHT

Greenland Is North America's Strategic Outpost

Greenland is geologically part of North America and has long been eyed by US planners for strategic reasons.
Melissa Chen says US interest predates Trump and ties to continental geography and security.

INSIGHT

Arctic Geography Matters For Missile Warning

Greenland sits on the shortest missile route from Russian Arctic bases to the U.S., making early warning vital.
Chen stresses hypersonic threats make boost-phase detection and better systems increasingly important.

ADVICE

Reduce Friction For Faster Crisis Response

Reduce operational friction by increasing direct US control over key Arctic infrastructure.
Chen argues control avoids risky delays and dependency on multiple approvals during crises.

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In this episode of The Winston Marshall Show, I sat down with journalist and China analyst Melissa Chen for an in-depth conversation on Greenland, China, American power, and the future of global security.

We examine why Greenland has become a central strategic concern for the United States, from missile defence and Arctic choke points to space, satellites, and early warning systems. Melissa explains why American control over Greenland is not a real estate fantasy, but a long-standing national security priority dating back more than a century.

The conversation explores China’s growing presence in the Arctic, its use of economic coercion, and its strategy of dual-use operations, including shipping routes, scientific research, and critical infrastructure. We discuss the Polar Silk Road, rare earth minerals, supply chain vulnerability, and how control over logistics and refining has become a decisive form of power.

A wide-ranging and forensic discussion about power, deterrence, and why the Arctic may define the next era of global competition.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:22 Why Greenland Matters

05:42 Missiles, the Arctic & US National Security

08:52 Early Warning Systems vs Missile Defence

10:52 Trump’s “Golden Dome” Strategy

15:00 Sovereignty, Denmark & the China Risk

19:13 Why China Is the Real Threat

27:12 Dual-Use Operations & Arctic Infiltration

32:07 The Polar Silk Road & Taiwan Deterrence

39:35 American Hegemony & the End of Illusions

46:30 Critical Minerals, Rare Earths & Greenland

54:23 Space, AI, Power & the Future World Order

57:55 Securing the Western Hemisphere

58:26 Mark Carney, China & Elite Alignment

1:04:10 Multipolar Myths & the Reality of Power

1:12:21 Final Thoughts

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