US and Canadian forces’ joint drill LATITUDE started on August 25 at the Bering Sea for live-fire drills and collaborative Arctic defensive training.
Operation LATITUDE is a cooperative naval expedition between the US and Canada. The exercise involves live-fire training, personnel exchanges, integrated drills, and tactical coordination. Its goal is to strengthen regional awareness and interoperability between the two countries.
Russia and China want to control the Arctic sea in order to gain control Polar Silk Road.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, often mention Alaska as they want it back. China's "Polar Silk Road" policy is to increase the number of commercial routes that may be used through the Northern Sea Route, which goes across the Bering Strait.
Washington and Ottawa are sending a message that the strait, which is a vital link between the Pacific and the Arctic, would not be accessible for trade routes. This means that the US will be better equipped to protect Alaska and keep control of international marine routes.
Author: Özgür Ekşi
