Japan-U.S. Bolster Military Cooperation Amid Heightened Tension

Japan-U.S. , Bolster Military Cooperation , Amid Heightened Tension.

On March 15, Japanese and United States Marines held their first combat drills together to strengthen the allies' military cooperation.

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ABC reports that 400 troops from Japan's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade and 600 U.S. Marines based out of Japan's southern island of Okinawa participated in the drills.

ABC reports that 400 troops from Japan's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade and 600 U.S. Marines based out of Japan's southern island of Okinawa participated in the drills.

The airborne landing and combat operations were based on a scenario of an enemy invasion of a Japanese island.

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The drills were reportedly part of a three-week joint exercise meant to strengthen the allies deterrence and response capabilities.

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The drills were reportedly part of a three-week joint exercise meant to strengthen the allies deterrence and response capabilities.

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We are committed to securing the peace and stability in the region through Japan-U.S. joint responses.

Any potential adversary will see this as our actual capability, not just words, Col.

Masashi Hiraki, commander of Japan's First Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, via ABC.

Japan, together with the U.S. Marines, have the will and ability to defend the region, and I expect this to provide deterrence, Col.

Masashi Hiraki, commander of Japan's First Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, via ABC.

ABC reports that Japan has bolstered its defense budget and capabilities for nearly a decade.

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Now, the island nation is revising its national security strategy amid threats from China, North Korea and Russia.

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Now, the island nation is revising its national security strategy amid threats from China, North Korea and Russia.

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Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno has reported multiple recent sightings of Russian warships around Japan's northern islands.

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Russia's military has been escalating abnormal naval drills in areas including the Okhotsk in sync with their invasion of Ukraine.

We told Russia we are watching its intensifying military activity with grave concern, Hirokazu Matsuno, Chief Cabinet Secretary, via ABC