Japan, US launch ‘Keen Sword’ exercises amid regional tensions

US and Japanese vessels take part in Keen Sword

China said it was paying close attention to the exercises and said it ‘sternly opposes’ moves by Japan to bring outsiders to the region

Approximately 47,000 Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and US Forces on 5 November launched joint-bilateral exercises in a time of heightened tensions due to an ongoing territorial dispute between Japan and China in the East China Sea.

Keen Sword 2013, which runs through 16 November, is part of a series of regular field training exercises meant to enable US and JSDF armed forces to hone co-ordination procedures and improve operational interoperability to ensure that Japan can meet various security contingencies in the Asia-Pacific region.

My article, published today in Jane’s International Defence Review, continues here (subscription required).