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Japan’s supplies to US Coast Guard aimed at testing Beijing, observers say
- American coastguard patrol vessel was serviced by a Japanese supply ship during joint exercise, Japan reveals
- ‘Improved interoperability’ hailed by Japan, while Chinese observers say the announcement is a challenge to China
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A Japanese Self-Defence Forces supply ship has replenished an American coastguard patrol vessel at sea for the first time during joint training, Japan said on Tuesday, in what Chinese observers described as closer collaboration to counter China.
Japan’s JS Oumi supply ship serviced the USCGC Munro in the East China Sea last week during a two-day training exercise that included crew exchanges and maritime law enforcement training and exercises, after the Munro’s port visit in the Japanese city of Sasebo.
“This is the first time that a [Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force] supply ship has replenished a US Coast Guard patrol vessel,” said Toshihiko Yoshifuku, the commanding officer of JS Oumi. “I believe that we have further improved interoperability.”
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Under an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement signed in 1996, the Japanese forces and US military can provide each other with resources such as food and petrol, as well as medical and training services, during operations including those held near Japan.
01:50
Japan hosts military exercises with the US, France and Australia amid tension over East China Sea
Japan hosts military exercises with the US, France and Australia amid tension over East China Sea
Service support has been a long-standing area of cooperation between Japan and the US, but recent tensions over the Taiwan Strait meant such operations have raised suspicion in China, said Zhou Chenming, a military expert in Beijing.
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