Japan will take part in military exercises in the Philippines for the first time since World War II, according to Bloomberg
Next month, approximately 300 members of Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force will participate in the annual Salaknib joint military exercises in the Philippines, alongside U.S. troops.
Bloomberg reports this.
According to Philippine Army spokesman Louie Dema-ala, this will be the first time in postwar history that Japan will conduct full-scale ground combat training on Philippine territory. Previously, Japanese forces participated in joint U.S.-Philippine exercises only as observers or in a support role.
Philippine Army Chief Romeo Brauner Jr. noted: “For the first time since 1945, we will once again have Japanese combat troops on Philippine soil. Back then, we were on opposite sides of the war. But this time, we are on the same side.”
Australia will also participate in the exercises. Japan’s direct participation became possible after the entry into force last year of a Reciprocal Access Agreement between the two countries, which facilitates joint military visits and strengthens defense cooperation.
As a reminder, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius officially proposed that Japan sign the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which is intended to radically simplify cooperation between the armed forces of both countries.
