Japanese troops to join Balikatan drills for the first time

MANILA, Philippines — After 81 years, Japanese combat forces are set to return to the Philippines–this time as partners–taking part in this year’s Balikatan exercises for the first time alongside Filipino and American troops. Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said Tuesday that Japan’s planned deployment marks a major shift in regional defense ties, underscoring how former wartime adversaries have become security partners. “This development shows how far our relationship has come, from past conflict to working together toward shared security goals,” Brawner said during a panel discussion at a Stratbase Institute for Strategic […]... Keep on reading: Japanese troops to join Balikatan drills for the first time

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