THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
June 17, 2022 at 19:03 JST
Personnel disembark from a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Osprey as military commanders from 16 countries watch, at Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture on June 16. (Kaigo Narisawa)
Military leaders from 16 countries mainly bordering the Pacific Ocean visited bases and camps in Japan on June 16 to inspect military equipment and observe training exercises by Japanese and U.S. forces.
Their visits aim to call on their nations to unite by showcasing Japan-U.S. ties with China’s increasing maritime activities in mind.
The visits were part of the Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium (PALS), which was co-hosted by Japan and the United States for the first time.
The 16 countries include Britain, France and Australia, which are strengthening ties with Japan in the face of Chinese maritime actions in the region.
In addition to the Philippines challenging China’s activities in the South China Sea, Canada, Chile and South Korea are among the participating countries.
At Yokosuka Naval Base in Kanagawa Prefecture, 66 military commanders including those from Japan and the United States observed a operation by landing ship.
They also observed training related to an amphibious operation that is aimed at defending remote islands at Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture. The drills were conducted by Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Marine Corps.
Many of the leaders are generals who have strong authority over their respective militaries.
“This will lead more militaries to recognize the importance of operations to protect the islands,” said an SDF source.
The source said some of the participating countries expressed willingness to cooperate with Japan proactively to prepare for emergency situations as they are threatened by China’s growing influence.
“We will promote multilateral cooperation and foster a good security environment,” said Gen. Yoshihide Yoshida, chief of staff of the GSDF, at a news conference.
Lt. Gen. Steven R. Rudder, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, said the U.S. forces will fight to protect the islands if deterrence does not work.
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