US-Japan Agree on Joint Drills for Senkaku Islands Contingency... Check on China

▲View of the Senkaku Islands, which Japan claims as its territory

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The United States and Japan have agreed to conduct joint exercises involving the U.S. military and the Japan Self-Defense Forces in preparation for emergencies around the Senkaku Islands (Chinese name Diaoyu Islands).

According to the Yomiuri Shimbun on the 17th, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Japanese Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo reached this agreement during the U.S.-Japan defense ministerial meeting held in Tokyo the previous afternoon.

The joint exercises will involve the U.S. Marine Corps as well as the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with Japan's Maritime, Ground, and Air Self-Defense Forces. The drills will practice recapturing the Senkaku Islands in case of invasion and confirm the division of roles between the U.S. and Japan if a hypothetical adversary lands on the Senkaku Islands.

The Senkaku Islands are under Japan's effective control but are a disputed territory between the two countries, with Chinese government vessels frequently appearing in the area.

The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that "this is aimed at deterring China, which repeatedly intrudes into the Senkaku Islands."

Following the U.S.-Japan Foreign and Defense Ministers (2+2) meeting held in Tokyo the previous day, the two countries reaffirmed in a joint statement that the Senkaku Islands fall under Article 5 of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty, which stipulates the U.S. obligation to defend Japan.

Additionally, the U.S. and Japan expressed serious concern over China's implementation of the Coast Guard Law, which permits the use of weapons by coast guard vessels, describing it as "a recent move causing regional instability."

After the 2+2 meeting, Defense Minister Kishi mentioned the Senkaku Islands at a press conference, emphasizing that "it is important for the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military to secure a high level of capability through training to strengthen deterrence and response capabilities."

He added, "Just yesterday (the 15th), the Air Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Air Force conducted joint exercises over the East China Sea," and stated, "The Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military are conducting training around the Senkaku Islands as well as the Nansei Islands."

Defense Minister Kishi concluded, "We will continue to steadily carry out various joint exercises and demonstrate the united actions of Japan and the U.S. going forward."