Japan Commits Navy to US-led South China Sea Patrols
September 16, 2016
Japan Commits Navy to US-led South China Sea Patrols
FILE PHOTO - Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) transits in formation with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship JS Kirisame (DD 104) during bilateral training in South China Sea on April 21, 2015. Courtesy David Flewellyn/U.S. Navy/Handout via REUTERS
Japan has announced strong support and joint naval commitment to U.S. led freedom-of-navigation operations through the South China Sea.
Japanese Defense Minister Tomomi Inada: “I strongly support the U.S. Navy's freedom-of-navigation operations, which go a long way to upholding the rules-based international maritime order,"
From speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies: ”Japan, for its part, will increase its engagement in the South China Sea through, for example, Maritime Self-Defense Force joint training cruises with the U.S. Navy and bilateral and multilateral exercises with regional navies.”
US Navy: "The United States welcomes Japan's interest in expanding its maritime activities in the South China Sea. We continue to explore ways to enhance U.S.-Japan cooperative efforts to contribute to the security and stability of the region."
August: Japan committed to provide Vietnam with new patrol ships.
Also agreed to provide two large patrol ships and lend up to five used surveillance aircraft to Philippines.
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