On April 7, 2024, the 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 strengthening 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 stated its intention to seize every opportunity to strengthen its partnership with the Philippines, the 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).
