Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) will hold joint naval drills with the maritime forces of other Asian nations in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, local media reported on Tuesday, citing the MSDF.
MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 21st August, 2018) Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) will hold joint naval drills with the maritime forces of other Asian nations in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, local media reported on Tuesday, citing the MSDF.
According to the NHK broadcaster, the MSDF announced earlier in the day that its vessels would start on Sunday a trip to five countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia and India, for holding joint military exercises with them and the US Navy. The trip will continue until late October.
The broadcaster went on to suggest that the exercises aimed at enhancing cooperation with the United States and the Asian neighbors amid China's increased activity in the area.
According to MSDF Chief of Staff Yutaka Murakawa, the drills are compliant with Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy, aimed at promoting "stability and prosperity of the international community" via enhancing cooperation between Asia and Africa.
China has been largely criticized for the militarization of the disputed South China Sea through constructing military facilities and deploying defense system there, as well as holding drills regularly. China rejected these accusations, saying that the South China Sea is within its territorial waters and pointing to the United States, which it said had more military presence in the area than any all the other countries combined.
