Japan, Germany, France, and the UK Air Forces Hold First Joint Exercise in Japan to Maintain Asia-Pacific Stability

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force, along with the air forces of Germany, France, and Spain, concluded a joint exercise held in Japan on the 25th, marking the first simultaneous military exercise with the three countries’ air forces. Japan’s core defense strategy is to curb the expansion of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Experts pointed out that the joint exercise by NATO countries and Japan is aimed at countering the CCP.

The joint exercise, codenamed “Japanese Sky,” involving the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and the air forces of Germany, France, and Spain, kicked off on July 19. The day before, the Japan Coast Guard had just conducted its first joint maritime security exercise with the Taiwan Coast Guard since the two countries severed diplomatic ties in 1972. Following this, Japan held a simultaneous joint air exercise with three NATO countries, marking another significant breakthrough in Japan’s international military cooperation.

On the morning of the 19th, several German and Spanish fighter jets and transport planes arrived at the Chitose Air Base in Hokkaido, Japan. At the same time, French fighter jets and air tankers also landed at the Hyakuri Air Base in Ibaraki Prefecture.

The simultaneous exercises by the air forces of Germany, France, and Spain in Japan were unprecedented. Over the course of a week, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force conducted joint training with the air forces of the three countries in various tactical exercises. The exercise concluded on the 25th of July.

According to the Japanese military, the joint exercise holds significant importance in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The Ambassador of Spain to Japan, participating in the exercise for the first time, emphasized that conducting joint exercises in Japan was part of expanding defense cooperation.

Former Deputy Commander of the Taiwan Air Force and a professor in the Department of Political Warfare at the National Defense University, Chang Yanting, remarked that Germany, France, and Spain, as NATO member countries, aim to strengthen defense, cooperation, and interaction in Asia. The participation of these European countries in joint exercises in Asia with Japan is a clear message directed at the CCP.

Furthermore, military exercises like “Pacific Sky 24,” a large-scale joint air force exercise involving 29 countries including the US, Germany, France, and Spain, are scheduled to be held in various locations like Australia, Hawaii, and India, further demonstrating a united front against potential threats from China and Russia, especially with regards to deterring any aggression towards Taiwan.

Moreover, the military capabilities of the CCP have become increasingly aggressive, posing threats not only in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea but also expanding beyond the first island chain. Therefore, it is essential for countries like the US and Japan to collaborate to counter these actions.

Chang Yanting added that although the participating forces in the recent exercises may not be significant individually, collectively, they form a considerable military force that cannot be underestimated. This enhances the ability to maintain the status quo and increases the deterrence against potential threats. The joint efforts also exemplify the concerns of the three countries regarding the Taiwan Strait issue.

It is notable that the relationship between NATO member countries in Europe and Japan is not a military alliance, but more of a supportive role to the US-Japan security agreement. However, continuous military cooperation between NATO, Japan, and South Korea could potentially lead to a military alliance or a similar relationship in the future, effectively countering and deterring CCP aggression.

On July 12, after attending the NATO Washington Summit, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida rushed to Germany for talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz regarding CCP’s hegemonic actions in the Indo-Pacific region. Both leaders agreed to enhance defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

During a joint press conference, Kishida reaffirmed the interconnectedness of security among Europe, the Atlantic, and the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing further collaboration with Germany in addressing challenges posed by the CCP. Mr. Scholz urged compliance with international maritime laws in response to China’s activities in the South China Sea.

The recent agreement between Japan and Germany on mutual provision of ammunition and fuel came into effect on July 12. The leaders of both countries confirmed the strengthening of military cooperation, and 2+2 consultations involving foreign and defense ministers are set to take place in Japan soon to discuss specific details.

The joint exercises between the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and NATO member countries’ air forces are set to continue. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force announced additional joint training with the Italian Air Force scheduled for August. This training aims to enhance tactical skills, promote mutual understanding, and deepen defense cooperation to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

In conclusion, the 2024 Defense White Paper released by the Japanese Ministry of Defense reaffirms the increasingly challenging security environment faced by Japan. With the CCP bolstering its military presence and activities in the East China Sea and the Pacific, Japan is determined to fortify its defense capabilities and enhance cooperation with allies and like-minded nations, particularly the US, to maintain a robust deterrence and response against potential threats.

The unity of the US-Japan alliance, the US-Japan-South Korea partnership, and NATO’s expanding military presence in the Asia-Pacific region collectively display a strong Western front to contain and counteract the influence of the CCP.

“It is a self-inflicted wound by the CCP,” said Li Zhengxiu.

He emphasized that despite the CCP’s aggressive military posture, its combat capabilities are overstated, with severe corruption issues hindering its effectiveness. The CCP’s displays of strength and ability to challenge the US are primarily for domestic consumption. The CCP leadership is aware that challenging the US directly or countering a US-Japan alliance is beyond their military capabilities.