Tokyo. June 18. INTERFAX - The Japanese command has sent a flotilla of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces to the Pacific Ocean, which will visit a number of countries, and will also participate in several international exercises, Kyodo reports.
The flotilla includes the Izumo destroyer helicopter carrier, two destroyers, a submarine, a patrol aircraft and other equipment. This time, the annual mission of the Maritime Self-Defense Forces will last until October 28. During the voyage, the Japanese ships will visit the USA, India, Australia, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Vanuatu, Fiji, Vietnam, the Philippines and the French Overseas Territory of New Caledonia.
The Japanese military will take part in the largest international naval exercises RIMPAC (abbreviated from the English name Rim of the Pacific Exercise - "Pacific Ring"), military exercises Pacific Vanguard with the participation of the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia and other exercises.
"We would like to continue to strengthen our relations with the Pacific island states, including to maintain the freedom and openness of the Indo-Pacific region," Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said in May.
