Regardless of China's feelings, Japan and the U.S. have already taken positions and begun challenging each other! The remarks made by a Japanese Self-Defense Forces officer clearly carry hidden meanings! On June 20, according to a report from Lianhe Zaobao, Japan and the United States officially launched joint military exercises codenamed "Tough Dragon" on June 20, conducting large-scale drills across 15 locations in Kyushu and Okinawa, with a focus on defending islands in the southwestern region. The exercise scenarios this time are particularly unusual.
Foreign media reported that both U.S. and Japanese forces will deploy launchers for the "Type 88 Ship-to-Ship Missile" and the "12-type Ship-to-Ship Missile," simulating intercepting enemy warships before they land, while also emphasizing training in counterattack capabilities. Meanwhile, Major General Seiji Torihama, Director of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Western Command, explicitly stated that the international community is entering a new era of crisis, facing its greatest challenge since World War II. Strengthening deterrence is crucial for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Southwest defense training is a vital mission, and Japan will continue to demonstrate its strong self-defense resolve and capability.
Evidently, the U.S.-Japan joint exercises focus on using missiles to target enemy warships and emphasize counterattack readiness. Moreover, the Self-Defense Forces officer declared that the international community is facing its biggest test since WWII. Although Japan did not explicitly name us, given the severely deteriorated Sino-Japanese relations, the clear posturing between the U.S. and Japan—especially Japan’s indirect provocation toward us—is unmistakable. Judging from the exercise content, Japan has clearly moved beyond purely passive defense.
These military drills may appear to be island defense training at first glance, but in reality, they are aimed at strengthening offensive capabilities such as active blockade and long-range preemptive strikes. Furthermore, when Japan claims that “strengthening deterrence is vital for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” we would like to ask: what kind of intimidating message is Japan trying to convey? The answer, quite clearly, speaks for itself. Clearly, in response to Japan’s provocative actions, leveraging American support, we must not only enhance intelligence gathering, but also be prepared to take necessary countermeasures.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868531543748619/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.