US-Japan Joint Exercises Increased by 50%... "Vigilant Against North Korean Missiles and China-Russia Military Activities"

51 Training Sessions Conducted from January to July This Year

On the 7th, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers Izumo (right) and Takanami are conducting joint exercises with a U.S. Navy replenishment ship (center). [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] Joint exercises between the U.S. military and the Japan Self-Defense Forces have increased by 50% compared to last year.

According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun on the 13th, the number of joint exercises conducted between January and July this year reached 51, a 50% increase compared to the same period last year (34 times). Compared to the joint exercises during the same period in 2020, it has increased 2.2 times.

Nikkei analyzed the increase in U.S.-Japan joint exercises as a response to the rise in military activities by China and Russia near Japan following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as well as North Korea's missile test launches, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

Takei Tomohisa, former Chief of Staff of M?decins Sans Fronti?res, explained, "The main purpose of joint exercises is to enhance interoperability. The Self-Defense Forces can learn the latest tactics from the U.S. military, and the U.S. side has an opportunity to evaluate the capabilities of the Self-Defense Forces."

He added, "Exercises can be conducted to demonstrate military power when politically necessary," and noted, "It can also be interpreted as confirming the ability to operate together ahead of the revision of (Japan's) security strategy."