US-LED DRILLS EDGE JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA CLOSER ON DEFENCE

The US-led Rim of the Pacific (Rimpac) military exercises, held in waters off Hawaii, have brought Japan and South Korea closer on defence, according to News - South China Morning Post. This year's Rimpac, which runs from June 24 to July, involves 30 nations, over 30,000 troops, and various aircraft and ships. The key roles played by Japan and South Korea in the drills have sparked speculation about potential deeper defence cooperation between the two neighbours.

The exercises are the world's largest maritime exercise, with a significant presence of surface ships and submarines, as reported by News - South China Morning Post. The involvement of Japan and South Korea in the drills is notable, given their historical differences. However, details on specific outcomes or agreements from the exercises are limited, with the available information focusing on the scale and participation of the drills.

The Rimpac exercises take place in a complex geopolitical context, with the South China Morning Post highlighting the potential for Japan and South Korea to set aside historical differences in favour of deeper defence cooperation. The exercises also occur amidst other global events, such as economic shifts in South Korea and climate crises, although these are not directly related to the Rimpac drills.

• US-led Rimpac exercises involve 30 nations and over 30,000 troops
• Japan and South Korea play key roles in the drills
• Exercises spark speculation on potential deeper defence cooperation between Japan and South Korea

Read the original source for full detail available at News - South China Morning Post src