Japan, US hold joint naval exercises near Korean peninsula

(Baonghean.vn) - On June 1, US aircraft carriers and Japanese naval vessels conducted a joint exercise in waters near the Korean peninsula, in a move seen as a show of force just days after Pyongyang's latest ballistic missile test.

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier strike groups USS Carl Vinson and USS Ronald Reagan, along with Japanese destroyers Hyuga and Ashigara, conducted joint exercises in the Sea of ​​Japan, where the North Korean missile landed.

Washington described the exercise as “routine training activities.”

Japan, US conduct joint naval exercises near the Korean peninsula. Photo: AFP

On its Facebook page, the US Navy's 7th Fleet said: "The USS Carl Vinson and USS Ronald Reagan strike groups, along with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), conducted routine training to enhance readiness in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region." Meanwhile, Japanese military officials declined to comment on the exercise.

The joint Japan-US military exercises take place amid rising tensions on the Korean peninsula following Pyongyang's repeated missile tests. Photo: Reuters

US President Donald Trump said North Korea's missile test earlier this week showed "disrespect" toward China, while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged that "the North Korea issue is the top priority of the international community."

Last month, joint naval exercises were also conducted in the same area with the participation of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier and fighter jets from South Korea and Japan./.

Lan Ha

(According to AFP)