The exercise included patrol vessels and two helicopters performing search and rescue operations off Maizuru’s northern coast in Kyoto prefecture…reports Asian Lite News
Japanese, US, and South Korean coast guard vessels conducted their first joint drill on Thursday off Japan’s coast, strengthening maritime ties amid China’s increasing territorial assertiveness.
Tensions have risen in the South China Sea, with skirmishes between Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels, raising fears of potential conflict involving the US, a key Philippine ally.
The drill followed an August agreement by the three nations’ leaders to enhance security cooperation for Indo-Pacific stability.
The exercise included patrol vessels and two helicopters performing search and rescue operations off Maizuru’s northern coast in Kyoto prefecture.
The scenario involved rescuing crew members from a South Korean ship that caught fire after a collision.
Japan has bolstered its defenses in southwestern regions, including Okinawa and nearby islands, in response to China’s assertiveness and tensions around Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory.
Last month, the coast guards of Japan, the US, and South Korea signed an agreement to collaborate on preserving maritime resources, countering illegal fishing, conducting search and rescue operations, and improving maritime law enforcement.
China frequently sends coast guard vessels into waters surrounding disputed islands controlled by Japan.
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