"US, Japan, and France Aircraft Carriers Conduct First Joint Exercise in the Philippines to 'Check China'"

Simulated Combat in Waters Navigated by Chinese Vessels

The United States, France, and Japan are set to conduct their first joint aircraft carrier exercise to counter China.

Ram Emanuel, the US Ambassador to Japan, is speaking on the US aircraft carrier USS George Washington. Photo by Yonhap News

The Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) reported on the 13th that by the 18th, the U.S. and French aircraft carriers, along with a Japanese Self-Defense Force escort ship that has been converted into an aircraft carrier, will conduct their first joint exercise in waters near the Philippines.

The exercise will involve the U.S. Navy's USS Carl Vinson, France's Charles de Gaulle, and Japan's JS Kaga.

Nikkei analyzed that the purpose of this exercise is to enhance deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region. The three countries will strengthen cooperation by simulating combat against submarines and aircraft in areas where Chinese vessels usually navigate.

This is the first time in over 60 years that France has deployed a carrier-centered fleet to the Pacific region. On the 7th, Japanese Defense Minister Ken Nakatani stated at a press conference that this is "evidence of France's willingness and capability to engage in the Indo-Pacific."

Among the French fleet, escort ships and supply vessels made a port call at a U.S. military facility in Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture, on this day. It is also reported that a British aircraft carrier will make a port call in Japan this year.

Nikkei explained, "Cooperation between Japanese and European forces leads to enhanced deterrence around Asia," and noted that Europe's interest in the geographically distant Pacific region is expected to have the effect of restraining military movements by China, Russia, and North Korea.