Photo/Illutration Members of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces participate in the first Freedom Edge joint exercise with the United States and South Korea in June. (Captured from the Maritime Self-Defense Force website)

Amid uncertainty created by Donald Trump's election to the U.S. presidency, Japan, the United States and South Korea launched a joint military exercise on Nov. 13 in the East China Sea and surrounding areas.

The three-day Freedom Edge drills, which follow an initial exercise held in June, aim to enhance interoperability among the three nations amid growing regional tensions.

The exercise, which involves maritime, aerial and cyber operations, comes as North Korea and Russia deepen their ties and China continues to assert its maritime claims in the region.

Key assets participating in the exercise include the U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier USS George Washington, South Korea's F-35 fighter jets and Japanese Self-Defense Forces’ F-15 fighters and destroyer Haguro.

Training scenarios focus on countering North Korean ballistic missile threats, anti-submarine warfare and cyberdefense.

The joint cyberdefense exercise is particularly significant, given North Korea's increasing reliance on cyber activities to fund its nuclear weapons program.

Last year, the three countries established a working group to address Pyongyang's cyber threats.

"These drills assure us that we can operate together at the highest level against any threat," said a spokesperson for the Joint Staff of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.

However, the impending return of Trump as the U.S. president has cast a shadow over the future of trilateral cooperation.

Trump has expressed a willingness to engage in direct talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which could potentially undermine the coordinated approach adopted by the Biden administration focused on deterrence. 

"Trump is likely to take a tough stance against China, but it's unclear how he will deal with North Korea," said a Japanese defense official, expressing concerns over whether the Freedom Edge initiative will continue.

Despite these concerns, Japanese officials remain committed to strengthening trilateral cooperation.

"Given the fluid international situation, it's important for the three countries to continue working together," said another official. "Conducting two Freedom Edge exercises this year is a significant achievement."

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