Japan to join US Navy’s ‘training cruises’ in South China Sea

Japan has announced plans to increase joint military activities with allies in South East Asia to counter Chinese dominance around disputed reefs in the East China and South China Seas. This includes deeper engagement with the US Navy’s “training cruises".

Japanese Defense Minister Tomomi Inada promised to sail with the American armada. Japan would also be giving military aid to countries in Asia Pacific as it increases its role in the contested waters of the South China Sea, Inada said Thursday at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank in Washington, DC.

Inada also welcomed the US's plan to allocate 60% of its Navy and Air Force assets to the Asia Pacific region by 2020.

Referring to repeated intrusions by Chinese ships into Japanese waters around the Senkaku Islands, the Minister promised to engage Japan more in US-led operations.

CNN & RT

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