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US. bases in Greenland, like Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base), are not sovereign U.S. territory, operating under a 1951 defense agreement with Denmark that grants the U.S. extensive but not outright ownership or exclusive jurisdiction, with Denmark and Greenland maintaining ultimate sovereignty, though recent discussions aim to formalize stronger U.S. access for defense purposes, as clarified by Danish officials.
Key Points:
Danish/Greenlandic Sovereignty: Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, and Denmark asserts its sovereignty is non-negotiable.
1951 Defense Agreement: This agreement allows broad U.S. military access and operations, giving the U.S. significant practical control within defense areas, but it doesn't transfer sovereignty.