JDF144Feb_web

6/8

6'DA/NOn November 9, JMSDF JS Jintsu conducted KAE-DEX21, a Japan-Canada bilateral exercise, with the HMCS Winnipeg of the Royal Canadian Navy, who shares a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" vision in the East China Sea. This exercise, which became annual in 2017, is the 7th time to be conducted .On December 9, Defense Minister Kishi held a VTC with Minister Anand, National Defence of Canada. They exchanged views on bilateral defense cooperation and region-al security issues, and affirmed their continued close coopera-tion to uphold and reinforce a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” They exchanged views on the East and South China Sea and expressed their will to strongly oppose any attempts to unilat-erally change the status quo by coercion, and concurred in sending a clear message that a free and open maritime order based on the rule of law is important.From November 10 to 12, JMSDF JS Inazuma and the Royal Australian Navy HMAS Warramunga conducted bilateral exercise “Nichi-Gou Trident” in waters south of Shikoku. JMOD/JSDF strengthened bilateral cooperation through the exercise. The first asset protection of the Australian Defense Force based on Article 95-2 of the JSDF Law was conducted at this exercise. In order to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” JMOD/JSDF will continue to elevate the bilateral defense cooperation to a new level through such initiatives. In addition, both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to closely coordinating toward the complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement of all of North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile of all ranges.+%'Japan-Canada Defense Ministerial Video TeleconferenceJapan-Canada Bilateral Exercise KAEDEX21Japan-Australia Bilateral Exercise Nichi-Gou Trident