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Japan Joins Major US-Philippines Military Drill Amid China's Criticism

Japan has joined the large-scale Balikatan military exercise alongside the Philippines and the United States, marking an expanded role beyond its previous observer status. The drill involves 17,000 personnel from seven countries and focuses on war games in the western and northern Philippines to enhance defense interoperability. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun criticized Japan's participation, urging caution in its security conduct. The exercise follows a recent defense pact between Japan and the Philippines that facilitates reciprocal military visits and joint training.

Key Points: Japan Joins US-Philippines Balikatan Military Exercise

  • Japan joins major US-Philippines exercise
  • Drill involves 17,000 personnel from 7 nations
  • Aims to enhance defense interoperability
  • China criticizes Japan's participation
  • New defense pact enables expanded Japanese role
2 min read

Japan joins military exercise with Philippines and US

Japan participates in large-scale Balikatan drills with US and Philippines, enhancing defense ties as China voices criticism over regional security.

"will contribute to improving the integrated operational capabilities of the Self-Defence Forces - Col. Takeshi Higuchi"

Manila, April 20

Japan has joined a large-scale drill with the Philippines and the United States, local media reported on Monday.

The military exercise is aimed at enhancing defence interoperability among the participants, including Japan's Self-Defence Force (JSDF).

The Balikatan, or shoulder-to-shoulder exercise, which runs till May 8, is being joined by a total of 17,000 personnel from seven countries, including Canada, France, Australia and New Zealand, noted a report from Japan's Kyodo news agency.

The exercise will contain a series of war games mainly in the west and north of the Philippines.

In a press briefing, Col. Takeshi Higuchi of the SDF Joint Staff said that Balikatan "will contribute to improving the integrated operational capabilities of the Self-Defence Forces and creating a security environment that does not tolerate unilateral changes to the status quo by force."

During the opening ceremony on Monday, the Philippine's military chief General Romeo Brawner said that the exercise sends a "clear and unmistakable message" that security is shared and that partnerships remain the strongest advantage.

Commanding General of the US Marine Expeditionary Force, Lt. Gen. Christian Wortman, said that the United States is "excited" about Japan's participation and looks forward to "further strengthening these important relationships."

Meanwhile, Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, criticised the participation of Japan in the Philippine-US exercise on Monday, saying that the neighbouring country "should be careful" regarding its conduct in security.

The criticism came after the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force destroyer JS Ikazuchi sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Friday. The vessel is also participating in the Balikatan military exercise.

Since 2012, the Japanese Self-Defence Force (SDF) has participated in the disaster response aspect of the annual exercise and held only observer status. A defence pact between Japan and the Philippines that allows reciprocal visits of the two nations' forces, which took effect last year, has expanded the fields of the exercises Japan can participate in.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting to see Japan stepping up its military role. As an Indian, I appreciate their focus on a "security environment that does not tolerate unilateral changes." Sounds familiar, doesn't it? We face similar challenges on our borders.
R
Rohit P
17,000 personnel from seven countries! The scale is massive. While partnerships are important, I hope the focus remains on stability and not on escalating tensions. The region doesn't need another flashpoint.
S
Sarah B
From an Indian perspective, Japan is a key partner in the Quad. Their increased engagement with the Philippines and US strengthens the network of democracies around China. This is a strategic counterbalance we should support.
V
Vikram M
China's criticism was expected. They don't like any military activity near their perceived sphere of influence. India understands this posture very well. The world is watching how nations respond to assertive behaviour.
K
Karthik V
A respectful criticism: While military exercises are necessary, the constant posturing and "sending messages" can sometimes feel like a game of chicken. Dialogue and diplomacy should run parallel to these drills. Hope cooler heads prevail.
M
Meera T
The expansion of Japan's role from disaster response to full-scale military exercises is notable. It shows how regional security dynamics are shifting. India must continue to build its own

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