The aircraft carrier owned by the US and French, and a Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) frigate that has completed the aircraft carrier modification work, will hold their first joint drills in waters near the Philippines, a Chinese naval zone, until Feb. 18.
The drills are aimed at the movements of China and Russia, and will include the USS Carl Vinson, the French Charles de Gaulle, and the JSDF Kaga, the Japanese Nikkei news reported on Feb. 14.
The three countries will strengthen cooperation in a hypothetical battle against submarines and aircraft in the places where Chinese ships normally sail. The training area is located between the First (Kyushu to the Philippines) and Second (Ogasawara Islands to Guam) Islands Line, which are the defense lines that China has set up.
It has been about 60 years since France sent a naval force centered on a carrier to the Pacific. In this regard, Japanese Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen noted that it is a testament to France’s willingness and ability to engage in the Indo-Pacific.
A frigate and a supply ship from the French fleet called at a US military facility in Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture, on the same day.
The JSDF’s ties with European militaries have been growing in recent years. The French Air Force and the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force held joint exercises near Ibaraki Prefecture last July. The French Army and the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force also held an exercise in Japan in September last year.
A Turkish, Dutch, and German warship called on Japan last year, and a British aircraft carrier is scheduled to call on Japan this year. The UK and Japan are planning joint exercises.
The Nikkei pointed out that Japan’s military cooperation with Europe leads to improved deterrence in Asia, and Europe’s interest in the geographically remote Pacific region can be expected to deter military movements by China, Russia and the DPRK.
