Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara announced that the Japan Self-Defense Forces will join the U.S. military's Valiant Shield exercise for the first time, with a portion of the exercise set to occur in Japan. Meanwhile, China continues its Joint Sword-2024A exercise around Taiwan, which is expected to conclude soon.

The exercise, scheduled from June 7 to 18, involves various tactical training exercises conducted primarily in the maritime airspace around Japan and at JSDF facilities, including Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Hachinohe Air Base, Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Matsushima Air Base, and Iwo Jima.

Defence Minister Minoru Kihara highlighted the importance of the Self-Defense Forces' participation in the exercise amidst the increasingly severe security environment surrounding Japan. He emphasised that their involvement aims to enhance joint operational capabilities and the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance while expanding partnerships with like-minded countries.

The Japan Ministry of Defense's Joint Staff Office detailed the scope of Valiant Shield 2024, which includes operations in five key areas, JSDF and U.S. military facilities in Japan, surrounding sea and airspace, the region from Japan to the Philippines, Joint Base Pearl Harbour-Hickam in Hawaii, Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, and the airspace around the Northern Mariana Islands and Palau. Other like-minded nations will also participate, primarily outside Japan.

Valiant Shield is a biennial multinational field training exercise (FTX) aimed at integrating joint training among U.S. and partner-nations forces based on current operational plans. Traditionally, it occurs around Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Palau. During this year's iteration, the U.S. military will conduct a live-fire test of its prototype for a joint-fire network.

During the press conference, Kihara declined to comment on China’s Joint Sword-2024A exercise around Taiwan but stated that the MOD was closely monitoring the situation. He emphasised Japan's expectation for the peaceful resolution of issues concerning Taiwan through dialogue.

In a video press statement, China's Ministry of National Defense spokesperson, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, announced that the Eastern Theatre Command of the PLA had organised joint exercises involving army, navy, air force, rocket force, and other units around Taiwan. The purpose was to test the troops' combat capabilities.

Wu stated that the action aimed to counter the assertion of 'Taiwan independence' and to deter external interference. He condemned Taiwan President Lai Ching-te for challenging the one-China principle, advocating the two-state theory, and seeking independence through force and foreign support. Wu warned that such actions were reckless and could lead to serious consequences.

China's Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Snr. Col. Wu Qian announced that the PLA's Eastern Theatre Command conducted joint exercises around Taiwan to test combat capabilities and deter 'Taiwan independence'.

He warned against Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's actions challenging the one-China principle. The PLA emphasised defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The command issued a brief statement confirming ongoing exercises and released a 3-D animation depicting a missile strike on Taiwan.

Over a 24-hour period, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected 49 PLA aircraft, 19 navy ships, and 7 coast guard ships around Taiwan. Notably, 35 aircraft breached the Taiwan Strait's median line. Taiwan's military monitored the situation and shared a video on social media, reaffirming its commitment to defending against China.

Image source: Japan Times