The Japanese military is closely following the Russian command and staff exercises Ocean-2024, as well as joint activities of Russia and China in the region, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said this at a regular press conference, TASS reports.
According to him, Japan is aware that Russia continues to step up its military activities near its coasts. Moreover, he added, it does so “even despite” the situation in Ukraine.
“The Japanese government will continue to closely monitor and gather information on Russian and Chinese military activities in the region, including upcoming maneuvers by their fleets.” – Hayashi said.
Earlier it was reported that the joint Russian-Chinese strategic naval command and staff exercise “Ocean-2024” had begun. The exercises are taking place in the waters of the Pacific, Arctic, Mediterranean, Caspian and Baltic oceans. In total, more than 400 warships, submarines and support vessels of the auxiliary fleet, 125 aircraft and helicopters of the naval aviation of the Navy and the Aerospace Forces, about 7 thousand units of weapons, military and special equipment, more than 90 thousand personnel are involved.