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US, Japan soldiers to hold military drill in California

US, Japan soldiers to hold military drill in California

Japanese soldiers will travel to the US state of California as part of a military exercise with American troops, in a move aimed at boosting the Asian country’s amphibious attack abilities.
According to US and Japanese officials, the soldiers will converge on California’s southern coast in the next two weeks.

The unprecedented training led by US marines and sailors are planned to improve Japan’s Self-Defense Force to operate in better coordination with Washington.

Meanwhile reports say China has asked the US and Japan to cancel the drill scheduled to begin on Tuesday.

Although Chinese officials have not confirmed the reports, the country’s foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei expressed concern regarding the drill.

“We hope the relevant sides can focus on peace and stability in this region, and do more to contribute to mutual trust and regional peace and stability,” the Chinese official said.

Beijing has repeatedly criticized Washington’s increasing military buildup in the Asia Pacific region as well as its moves to increase military ties with Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Japan and China have long been competing over the sovereignty of a series of uninhabited islands, which are located near a crucial shipping lane and would give the owner exclusive oil, mineral and fishing rights in the surrounding waters.

The tensions between Tokyo and Beijing have escalated since Japan nationalized three of the disputed isles. The islands are also claimed by Taiwan.

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