Japan and the United States conduct joint military exercises over the Sea of Japan
Japan has announced new joint exercises with the United States over the Sea of Japan. The manoeuvres took place amid rising tensions in the region and the activity of the Chinese and North Korean militaries. This was reported by The Public with reference to Reuters.
According to the Japanese Ministry of Defence, the exercise involved fighters from the Self-Defence Forces and the US Air Force. The parties practised air-to-air cooperation, including intercepting and tracking targets, and assessed readiness for a joint response to crisis situations. Tokyo emphasised that such exercises are key to deterring threats in the region.
In recent months, Japan has seen a sharp increase in Chinese activity in the East China and Japan Seas, including Chinese ships approaching the disputed Senkaku Islands. An additional risk factor is the DPRK's missile launches, which have repeatedly flown near or over Japanese territory.
Tokyo says it will continue to expand defence cooperation with the United States, which is the country's main ally in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2025, the two countries have already conducted a number of large-scale joint exercises, including naval manoeuvres and tests of missile defence systems.
Japan also plans to increase its defence budget to record levels, arguing that it is necessary to strengthen national security and deter aggression in the region.
