An international symposium was started in which commanders of amphibious forces gathered from the Indo-Pacific region, and the opening ceremony was held in Tokyo.
This symposium led by the US Marine Corps is the first to be held in Japan, and it seems that the aim is to strengthen cooperation with China's advance into the ocean.
This symposium, called "PALS," has been held for seven years under the leadership of the United States Marine Corps, with the aim of enhancing the capabilities of amphibious operations of friendly countries toward peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. increase.
This time, at the suggestion of the United States, it was held in Japan for the first time, and the opening ceremony held at a hotel in Tokyo was attended by about 70 commanders from 18 countries including Australia and the Philippines.
Among them, Chief of Staff, Ground Self-Defense Force Yoshihide Yoshida said, "In the Indo-Pacific region, in addition to competition between major powers, multi-layered threats such as challenges to the nuclear non-proliferation regime and terrorism are concentrated." He stated and called for cooperation.
At the symposium that will be held until the 16th, in addition to the general meeting, commanders from each country will visit the base of the Self-Defense Forces and observe the amphibious vehicles of the Ground Self-Defense Force, the transport aircraft of the Ground Self-Defense Force and the US Marine Corps, Osprey, etc. It is supposed to be.
The United Kingdom and France are also participating in the symposium, and it seems that the aim is to strengthen multilateral cooperation for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, with China's advance into the ocean in mind.