Japan and the US have launched a 10-day joint military exercise called "Sharp Sword" ; (Keen Sword), involving 45,000 soldiers, 40 ships and 370 aircraft, France Press reported. The maneuvers come a week after large-scale Chinese military exercises around Taiwan and are in response to Beijing's growing military power and defense cooperation between Washington and its allies, cited by BTA.
The exercise will take place across Japan until November 1, and will also include members of the Australian and Canadian military forces. General Yoshihide Yoshida stressed that the alliance between the US and Japan is crucial for stability in the region, given the danger of a crisis similar to the one in Ukraine.
"Sharp Sword" also includes training with the hybrid Osprey military aircraft, which will fly to Yonaguni Island, the closest Japanese island to Taiwan, for the first time.