Japan and the US Improve Warfighting Readiness in Face of Threats from the CCP

From joint exercises to defense drills, hypersonic missiles to high-tech outreach, countering China’s ‘dangerous path.’

Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force stand in formation during the opening ceremony of Exercise Southern Jackaroo 21 at 1st Brigade Headquarters, at Robertson Barracks in the Northern Territory on June 15, 2021. PTE Jacob Joseph/ADF

Recently, Japan conducted a series of military drills and expanded its defense capabilities. U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) conducted joint exercises with Japan to step up readiness in the face of a potential war, while defense drills focused on the vicinity of Taiwan. Experts believe that such moves are aimed at deterring the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from invading Taiwan.

The United States and Japan, with the participation of Australian forces, conducted Operation Keen Edge from Feb. 1-8, a series of command post and field training exercises at bases in Japan and Hawaii.