JS AKEBONO affirms commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP)
2024/4/8
Photos courtesy of the Australian Government Department of Defence
On 7 April 2024, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force’s (JMSDF) JS AKEBONO, together with counterparts from the Philippine Navy, U.S. Navy, and the Royal Australian Navy and Air Force, affirmed their commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific during the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the South China Sea.
In a statement posted by Japan’s Ministry of Defense on their official Facebook and Twitter pages, Japan will seize every opportunity to strengthen its partnership with the Philippines, United States, and Australia in ensuring regional peace and stability. The JMSDF will also continue to operate and exercise freedom of navigation in realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP).
The Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the South China Sea is a multilateral exercise participated by the Philippines, U.S. Australia and JMSDF. The Multilateral activity commenced on April 5 and finished on April 7.