Tokyo — Japan’s Defense Minister welcomes the first call to Japan by the British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth on Monday, and as China’s military and influence grows, European involvement in the Indo-Pacific region is peaceful and stable. Said that it was the key to.
Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi met Admiral Steve Moorehouse, commander of the carrier strike group.
The ship arrived at the US Navy Base in Yokosuka, near Tokyo, on Saturday, September 4.
Queen Elizabeth participated in a joint exercise with US, Dutch, Canadian and Japanese warships before arriving in Yokosuka. This exercise was part of an effort to achieve the vision of a “free and open Indo-Pacific” led by Washington and Tokyo.
“Interest of European countries [China’s] One-sided attempts to change the status quo of the East China Sea and South China Sea … have contributed to the peace and stability of the region, “Kishi told reporters. “We hope that the port call will contribute to the further development of UK-Japan defense cooperation.”
Japan is increasingly concerned about China’s growing military influence in the region, Beijing’s growing tensions with Taiwan, and competition with the United States. Japan has repeatedly protested against China over its increased activity near the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands, which China claims to call Diaoyu.
After arriving in Yokosuka, Moorehouse said on Twitter that the strike group’s interactions were part of Britain’s “commitment to strengthen diplomatic, economic and security relations in the Indo-Pacific.” He said it would require a relationship between Japan and Britain “to a whole new level.”
“The presence of carrier strike groups embodies Britain’s support for the freedom and security of important trade routes in the region, as well as the international system that benefits all nations,” said Moorhead.
The strike group left the UK in May. Commissioned in 2017, the HMS Queen Elizabeth is Britain’s largest and most powerful warship. According to the Royal Navy, it can carry up to 40 aircraft, including the F-35 stealth fighter.
Mari Yamaguchi
