On September 27, Reuters reported that as the British frigate HMS Argyll traveled to the South China Sea and East Asia, a helicopter carrier with Japan's largest warship, the Kaga, held a joint exercise in the Indian Ocean on Wednesday.
Kenji Sakaguchi, commander of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF), said: "We have a long history of dealings with the British Navy and are allies of the United States, and this is an opportunity for both sides to strengthen military cooperation. He added that the British navy has been frequently present in the area recently, and the two navies can strengthen cooperation in the future.
The Kaga, Argyle and other destroyers escorted the exercise formation in the calm waters of the Indian Ocean, and three Japanese helicopters hovered above for surveillance.
Another official from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force also said: "Usually before the joint exercises, the two sides have to discuss, but the British do not have to do this, because we cooperate more smoothly." ”
Last month, the British amphibious assault ship HMS Albion, from Japan, broke into the waters off China's Paracel Islands on its way to Vietnam, when China sent a warship and helicopters to oppose the Albion's entry into the South China Sea and warn britain. (Edit: ZXX)