How expanded Japan-US military exercises could complicate PLA planning over Taiwan
Japan and the United States will rehearse moving anti-ship missiles, air defences and communications networks onto islands near Taiwan this month in an expanded military exercise that analysts say could complicate Beijing’s planning for a Taiwan or East China Sea conflict. Keen Sword 27, which runs from October 19 to 29, will involve about 45,000 Japanese personnel, 6,100 vehicles, 40 ships and…
Japan and the United States are set to conduct the Keen Sword 27 military exercise, which will involve a significant expansion of anti-ship missile, air defense, and communications network deployments near Taiwan. With over 45,000 Japanese personnel, 6,100 vehicles, 40 ships, and 260 aircraft participating, the exercise is designed to enhance capabilities to counter potential threats from the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
The inclusion of France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Australia, and Canada, alongside the US, signifies a multilateral approach to regional security. Analysts view this exercise as a critical component of Japan and the US's "wall strategy" in the East China Sea, aimed at reinforcing defenses and swiftly moving forces to counter the PLA's movements.
The deployment of Type 88 surface-to-ship missiles and the US Marine Corps' Nmesis anti-ship missile platform on Yonaguni Island, just 62 miles from Taiwan, marks a direct link to a potential Taiwan contingency.
Brief written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
