Japanese Media: Japan's Self-Defense Forces Participate in "Shoulder to Shoulder" Military Exercises in the Philippines for the First Time

[Global Times Special Correspondent Liu Wenzhang in Japan] According to a report by Kyodo News, the joint military exercise "Shoulder to Shoulder" involving the United States, Japan, the Philippines, and other countries kicked off on the 6th at the McGuire Air Base in northern Luzon, Philippines. Notably, this marks the first time in 81 years since the end of World War II that Japanese combat personnel have set foot on Philippine soil, and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has officially sent approximately 420 troops to participate in the exercise. In last year's "Shoulder to Shoulder" exercise, Japan only sent a small number of personnel as observers.

According to reports, the "Visiting Forces Agreement" (RAA) signed between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine military took effect last year, facilitating the expansion of Japan's deployment scale. In response to the South China Sea issue, the Philippines is continuously strengthening cooperation with Japan. In recent years, Japan has also been reinforcing its defense cooperation with countries like the Philippines, centered around the Japan-U.S. alliance. In February of this year, Japan, the U.S., and the Philippines conducted the 15th "Multilateral Maritime Cooperation Activity" in the South China Sea, with Japan deploying anti-submarine patrol aircraft to conduct exercises alongside U.S. and Philippine naval and air forces.

According to the Philippine military, this year, in addition to Japan, the U.S., and the Philippines, participating countries also include Australia and New Zealand, with a total participation of over 7,000 personnel. The exercise will continue until May, covering training related to modern combat environments, including electronic warfare and responses to drones.