The Defensive Alliance to Deter Chinese Maritime Expansion is Strengthening
Exercise Keen Sword began and runs until October 29, principally involving 45,000 Japanese and 12,000 US troops, with seven other Asian and European nations participating, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the Philippines for the first time; South Korea is attending as an observer. The exercise focuses on Japan’s southwestern islands and the Kuril Islands. Separately, Taiwan and the Philippines are deepening ties: Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration plans a training-ship port call in the Philippines in October next year, the first such visit since 1974, and the two sides intend to improve joint surveillance in the Bashi Channel.
Why it matters: The developments indicate that maritime security cooperation among Asian states is expanding in response to Chinese maritime expansion.