Joint Military Exercise: US, Japan Respond to China-Taiwan Dispute

US-Japan Military Exercises Counter China's Taiwan Moves

“Keen Sword will ensure we maintain our advantage over those who seek to undermine...”

Japan, US Launch Joint Military Exercises 'Keen Sword' Amid China-Taiwan Tensions - 45,000 Troops, 40 Ships, 370 Aircraft Deployed

Japan and the US have kicked off their joint military exercises, “Keen Sword,” involving 45,000 troops, 40 ships, and 370 aircraft, with contributions from Australia and Canada. This 10-day exercise, which started on October 23, comes hot on the heels of China's large-scale drills near Taiwan, fueling concerns about a potential conflict.

The exercises will take place across Japan, utilizing both Japanese and US military bases, and will wrap up on November 1. This biennial event aims to strengthen the alliance between Japan and the US, showcasing their commitment to regional security and stability. With China's military expansion and increasing defense cooperation between the US and its allies, tensions are running high, particularly regarding Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory.

The joint exercises demonstrate the US's unwavering commitment to defending Japan, as outlined in the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. Japan has also reaffirmed its dedication to reinforcing its defense capabilities, with a sustained increase in its defense budget and enhanced cybersecurity measures. As regional tensions escalate, these exercises serve as a strategic show of force and cooperation between Japan, the US, and their allies.

“We have a strong sense of urgency that we can't rule out the possibility of a serious situation resembling Ukraine happening in regions near our country.

“We are determined to prevent and deter such a situation,” General Yoshihide Yoshida, the top uniformed officer in Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF), said on Tuesday, October 22.

Admiral Steve Koehler, commander of the US Pacific Fleet, emphasized the significance of the Keen Sword exercises, stating, “Keen Sword will ensure we maintain our advantage over those who seek to undermine the rule-based international order.” These joint military drills between the US and Japan, taking place from October 23 to November 1, 2024, will involve 45,000 troops, 40 ships, and 370 aircraft, including tilt-rotor Osprey aircraft flying to Yonaguni, Japan's southernmost island, for the first time.

The Osprey aircraft will participate in an evacuation exercise, simulating the removal of residents and tourists “in the event of a natural disaster,” as explained by a Japan Self-Defense Forces spokesperson. This exercise is particularly timely, given the heightened tensions in the region. Taiwan's defense minister reported that a Chinese aircraft carrier group passed through the Taiwan Strait on October 23, 2024, just a day after China conducted live-fire drills near the island.

China's recent military activities have raised concerns, including a simulated blockade of Taiwan, and Beijing has not ruled out using force to assert control over the island. These actions have been criticized by Taipei and its primary ally, the US. The Keen Sword exercises demonstrate the strong alliance between the US and Japan, as well as their commitment to regional security and stability.

Key Exercise Details:

Duration: October 23 to November 1, 2024

Troop Deployment: 45,000 troops from the US and Japan

Military Assets: 40 ships and 370 aircraft

Participating Countries: US, Japan, Australia, and Canada

Exercise Location: Various locations across Japan.