Arab News Japan

TOKYO: With the security situation in East Asia tense after North Korea’s multiple missile launches in the past week, the Japan Self-Defense Forces and United States Armed Forces have been conducting joint exercises.

The military exercises started on October 1 around Japan, including the Sea of Japan, which stretches to North Korea.

A statement issued by Japan’s Ministry of Defense stated: “This bilateral exercise reaffirms the cooperation of JSDF and US Armed Forces, demonstrating the strong will, close and seamless cooperation between Japan and the United States in responding to any situation, and further strengthens the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-US Alliance.”

The exercises included Japan’s destroyer Asahi, the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan as well as other vessels, including the USS Chancellorsville, USS Benfold and USNS Yukon.