Typhoon Cimaron forces Britain and Japan to cancel historic military drill

The drill was to include Japan’s controversial amphibious brigade, which was formed to counter any threats against islands along edge of East China Sea that Tokyo worries could be vulnerable to attack by China

Reading Time:2 minutes

A Union flag is seen from the bridge of HMS Albion after the ship’s arrival at Harumi Pier in Tokyo. Photo: Reuters

Published: 2:56pm, 22 Aug 2018Updated: 2:58pm, 22 Aug 2018

Britain and Japan cancelled a plan for a simulated amphibious beach assault near Mount Fuji this week that would have been the first joint drill between their troops in Japan, officials said on Wednesday, as a typhoon approached the Japanese mainland.

Typhoon Cimaron, which is heading north from the western Pacific, is expected to bring strong winds and rain to Japan over the next few days.

Typhoons Soulik and Cimaron approach western Japan bringing high waves, strong winds

Britain and Japan had planned for a Royal Marine detachment and Japanese amphibious troops to storm the beach from boats launched from the British Navy’s flagship amphibious assault carrier HMS Albion on Friday.

The cancellation was announced by Britain’s embassy in Japan and the defence ministry in Tokyo.

The Albion has operated in and around Japanese waters for several weeks, including patrols to help enforce UN sanctions on North Korea, as Britain seeks to bolster defence ties with Japan as it prepares to exit the European Union.

Crew members on the deck of the HMS Albion, which arrived in Tokyo this month. Photo: Reuters

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x