NEWS
JS AKIZUKI conducted a Japan-U.S.-Australia-Philippine Multlateral Exercise.
JS AKIZUKI conducted a Japan-U.S.-Australia-Philippines Multilateral Exercise
as Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) with U.S. Navy (USS BEN FOLD and P-8
patrol aircraft), Royal Australian Navy (HMAS HOBART), Royal Australian Air Force
(P-8 patrol aircraft) and Philippine Navy (BRP JOSE RIZAL) in the South China Sea.
Through exercises in the South China Sea where is one of the important Sea Lines
of Communications (SLOCs) to Japan, JS AKIZUKI successfully improved the
tactical capabilities and strengthened cooperation with the participants. Upholding
the right of freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea and
international airspace, as well as respect for maritime right under international law,
as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the maritime
cooperative activity showed a commonsense of value and a strong will to realize a
“Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
The Self Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to the peace and
stability of the Indo-Pacific region, not only for the defense of Japan but also for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” in cooperation with allied and like-minded navies.
