The strategic competition in the Arctic Keep growing. The armies of USA y Canada carried out a Demonstration of strength Earlier this month with the aim of responding to “Emerging threats” in the regionin the midst of the challenges raised by Russia and China.
From September 3 to 5the United States Alaska Command and the Armed Forces of Canada made joint maritime operations in the Bering Seakey zone that connects the distant Russian East with Alaska ,. The maneuver, which included the display of and the Canadian frigate HMCS Reginaevidenced what the command described as the “Fast use of a binational force” to deal with possible threats in the Arctic.
“The United States and our allies continue prepared to counteract the adversary attempts to expand their influence or military capacities In the western hemisphere and the Arctic region, “said the general lieutenant Case CunninghamHead of the Alaska Command, who stressed the importance of this military cooperation as part of the defense of the continent.
For its part, the Committee Josée Kurtzcommander of the maritime component of Canada, stressed that Both countries face similar risks for national safety and prosperity. “When operating with our US partners, we demonstrate our collective preparation to respond with agility and determination in the maritime field“He said.
The Arctic region has gained strategic relevance in recent years. Russia maintains a strong military presence in the area, while China has intensified its scientific and naval operationswhich has generated concern among allied countries. In response, The Pentagon last year published an updated strategy for the Arcticwhich proposes to reinforce the military presence and deepen cooperation between allies to counteract the influence of Moscow and Beijing.
In addition to the joint maneuvers, the US Coast Guard reported Recent meetings with Chinese research ships, Ji Di and Xue Long 2, that operated north of the Bering Strait. He responded to these activities within the framework of Operation Frontier Sentineldesigned to face “foreign malignant influences” in the waters of the Arctic and Alaska.
“The Arctic is an area of growing global strategic competition”the Coast Guard recalled in a statement, adding that the Storis is part of the resources deployed to protect US sovereignty and monitor foreign activity in support of national defense and security efforts.
