With stealth frigates and quasi-aircraft carriers to visit 17 Asia-Pacific countries, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's "annual show" began

On April 20, Japan's new stealth frigate, the Kumano, left its home port of Yokosuka base to kick off the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's annual and nearly five-month "Indo-Pacific Deployment" operation.

This is the first overseas expedition of the USS Kumano since its commissioning last year, and it is also the largest "Indo-Pacific tour" of the Maritime Self-Defense Force to date, including visits to several Pacific island countries and participation in a number of joint naval exercises.

What are the highlights of this year's deployment mission, and what kind of "ambitious goals" Japan hopes to achieve through the voyage, will attract attention from the outside world.

Freshness

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Indo-Pacific deployment operation began in 2017 and was officially named in 2019. This year marks the seventh expedition.

However, this year's cruise is bigger and larger than ever before. Both the duration and the countries visited, as well as the participants and the transfer of equipment, almost all set a record high.

In terms of time, the operation lasted 151 days and was planned to last until September 17, up from 138 days last year.

In terms of location, the Maritime Self-Defense Force plans to visit 17 countries and regions (up from 12 last year), with a focus on Pacific island countries. Kiribati is the first to join the itinerary, while Solomon Islands, Tonga and Fiji are selected for the second time after last year.

In terms of personnel, the Maritime Self-Defense Force sent about 1,190 people to participate, including one submarine force and three surface forces. The ships involved include the destroyer Izumo, which is being converted into a light aircraft carrier, the new frigate Kumano, as well as transport ships and submarines. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will participate in some operations to enhance the integrated operational capabilities of all branches of the Self-Defense Force.

In terms of content, the Maritime Self-Defense Force will participate in a number of defense exchange activities such as port visits, capacity building assistance, ship cruises, and joint military exercises, including Japan-US-Australia-India military exercises, Japan-US-Australia-South Korea military exercises, etc.

Through a long list of figures and tasks, public opinion tried to capture the freshness of this "Indo-Pacific deployment" operation.

Point 1: Pay attention to Pacific island countries.

Some Japanese media pay special attention to Kiribati and Solomon Islands. The two countries resumed diplomatic relations with China and established diplomatic relations with China in 2019 respectively, and are both partners of China's "Belt and Road" initiative. Kiribati is supported by China in infrastructure development. Solomon Islands signed an intergovernmental framework agreement on security cooperation with China last year.

In fact, for some time, the trajectory of the Japanese government's activities in the "Indo-Pacific region" is changing. In the past, Japan used Southeast Asian countries as the main battlefield; Today, more emphasis is placed on close engagement with Pacific island countries. Last month, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi visited three Pacific island countries, including Kiribati and the Solomon Islands.

The Japanese narrative is that these countries are also of great strategic importance to Japan in the context of China's increasingly close military relations with Pacific island countries.

Some commentators pointed out that according to the US island chain strategy towards China, many Pacific island countries are between the second and third island chains, so it is necessary to increase military penetration and integration in the local area to contain China.

Highlight two, the first tour of the frigate "Kumano".

Developed by Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, it entered service last year and has a total length of 133 meters and a standard displacement of 3,900 tons. Not only is the hull compact, smaller and lighter than a destroyer, but the crew is only half of the standard ship configuration, about 90 people. It uses stealth technology, which is better invisible, and has integrated combat and control functions. The visit will be unveiled at the Asian International Maritime Defense Exhibition in Singapore next month.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force said it sent state-of-the-art ships to demonstrate to the international community Japan's technological capabilities and efforts to save personnel. The Japanese government hopes to take the Kumano's participation in the maritime defense exhibition as an opportunity to continue to expand arms exports in the next fiscal year.

Risk points

According to Japan, the annual Indo-Pacific deployment operation has several main goals: to enhance the tactical capabilities of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, strengthen cooperation and relationships with regional partners, contribute to regional peace and stability, and promote a "free and open Indo-Pacific region."

However, some commentators pointed out that although Japan flaunts the banner of "regional peace and stability," it is still difficult to hide its true purpose.

First, improve the self-defense forces' far-sea deployment and combat capabilities and accelerate the process of "military normalization."

Second, demonstrate U.S.-backed deterrence capabilities and increase military presence and influence to weaken China's influence.

Third, promote the export of weapons and equipment.

Some Southeast Asian scholars said that Japan's modification of the destroyer "Izumo" to carry US F-35B fighters and the frequent participation of the destroyer "Kaga" in anti-submarine exercises shows that the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force is seeking a strong offensive strike capability and getting rid of the post-war shackles. The security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region are facing greater risks.

Just earlier this month, the Japanese government announced a new security assistance program that will help friendly countries strengthen their defenses, including the provision of equipment such as radar and communications systems. The Philippines, Malaysia, Fiji and Bangladesh will receive such support this fiscal year.

Public opinion believes that this marks the first time that Japan has clearly deviated from the rule that "international assistance is limited to civilian projects", exposing Japan's right-wing ambition to promote "military normalization", which is not conducive to regional security and stability.

limitations

Looking at Japan, some scholars have maintained a certain degree of sobriety, believing that there are limitations in the "Indo-Pacific deployment" operation year after year. It is difficult to judge whether the goal of a "free and open Indo-Pacific" can be achieved and regional peace and stability improved.

Shinae Lee, a researcher at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, a Japanese think tank, pointed out that on the one hand, the Maritime Self-Defense Force hopes to strengthen strategic communication with target countries, but different audiences will interpret the message transmitted by Japan differently, and sometimes it will have unexpected effects.

On the other hand, while demonstrating a greater willingness to engage in regional security issues and hope to shape the regional situation through cooperation, Tokyo is increasingly inclined to strengthen alliances with Washington, strengthen values-based partnerships, and alienate Russia and China. Paradoxically, it is difficult to balance the goals of "competition and cooperation" through strategic communication. How to avoid an increase in regional tensions? Japan faces challenges.

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Column editor-in-chief: Yang Liqun Text editor: Yang Liqun Title picture source: Tuworm Photo editor: Su Wei

Source: Author: An Zheng