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| Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force conducts an exercise in Oita Prefecture on Nov. 4, 2020. (Photo by=Kyodo) |
[Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force said Thursday it will conduct nationwide exercises involving all of its units for the first time in about 30 years in an attempt to boost deterrence and strengthen its capabilities, Kyodo reported.
At a time when China's maritime assertiveness has become a major regional security concern, the drills of the GSDF, including transporting necessary supplies and improving communication systems, are expected to be carried out between September and November across the country. The GSDF, which has around 140,000 personnel, last conducted such exercises in 1993 after the Cold War ended.
Japan tried to strengthen the Self-Defense Forces' abilities to defend remote islands in the face of increased maritime actions by China, especially around the Senkaku Islands. In February, China, which claims the Japanese-controlled uninhabited islands, implemented a law allowing its coast guard to use weapons against foreign ships that it sees as illegally entering its waters. Since then, Japan has been sharing its concern with the United States and other countries about the possibility of China becoming more aggressive in the South and East China seas.
