Japan's Defense Ministry: Number of Self-Defense Forces personnel attending joint military drills in the Philippines is 10 times last year's
Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced that Japan will send approximately 1,400 troops to participate in the multilateral "Shoulder-to-Shoulder" joint military exercises held in the Philippines, a figure about 10 times that of last year.
In a press briefing, Ishiba stated: "The total number of participants in this joint exercise is approximately 19,000… Last year, Japan sent around 140 personnel, but this time the number is roughly 10 times higher—about 1,400."
He explained that this increase is linked to the implementation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which streamlines procedures for deploying equipment and personnel, particularly in the context of joint exercises.
The defense minister pointed out: "This exercise will involve U.S. land-based Tomahawk missiles, Philippine Brahmos missiles, and Japan’s land-based anti-ship missiles, demonstrating a significant enhancement in the capabilities of allies and like-minded nations."
In addition, he mentioned that live-fire drills will be conducted within the Philippines, including the first-ever launch of anti-ship missiles.
He concluded by saying: "We intend to use this opportunity to conduct these exercises, verify their outcomes, and view them as a new initiative to strengthen cooperation between Japan and the Philippines."
Shigeru Ishiba will visit Indonesia and the Philippines from May 3 to May 7, during which he will hold talks with defense ministers from both countries.
Source: sputniknews
Original: toutiao.com/article/1863694335620099/
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