Japan has participated in a joint military exercise with the Philippines and the United States to improve defence interoperability. The exercise, called Balikatan, involves 17,000 personnel from seven countries, including Canada, France, Australia, and New Zealand. It focuses on conducting war games in the western and northern regions of the Philippines.
Colonel Takeshi Higuchi of Japan’s Self-Defence Force (JSDF) mentioned that the exercise aims to enhance the integrated operational capabilities of the Self-Defence Forces. The opening ceremony highlighted the importance of partnerships in maintaining security, with General Romeo Brawner emphasizing the shared responsibility for security among nations.
The participation of Japan in the military exercise drew criticism from China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun. The spokesperson urged caution regarding Japan’s involvement in regional security matters. Japan’s expanded participation in such exercises is facilitated by a defense pact with the Philippines, allowing for reciprocal visits of forces since last year.
