French, Japanese and U.S. troops advance after disembarking from a Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter at the Kirishima training area straddling Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures on May 15. (Sunao Gushiken)
France for the first time joined Japan-U.S. joint ground exercises being staged in southwestern Japan to simulate regaining control of remote islands from enemy forces.
The military drills reflect growing concern about Beijing’s assertiveness in the South and East China seas.
News media representatives on May 15 were allowed to watch Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force, joined by U.S. Marines and French troops, simulate ways to regain territory at the GSDF Kirishima training area straddling Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures.