YOKOSUKA, JAPAN— British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, the flagship of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group, recently paid a port of call in Japan
The activity is part of a mission seen to put further pressure from Tokyo, the US and its allies on China regarding its assertive maritime presence.
The carrier has been making stops around Japan and their allies in recent weeks.
Japan’s Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi said the port call of Britain to Japan and recent exercises by troops from the two nations shows the intent of the two nations.
He also mentioned that the relationship of Japan and UK especially in defense cooperation contributes not only to the security of both nations but also to strengthen the peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region while dealing with global issues.
Japan and the UK are both very vocal with regard to their opposition regarding the controversial East and South China seas and the importance of “free and open maritime order,” Kishi explained.
According to a statement by the British Embassy in Tokyo, the deployment of the carrier shows “the close partnership between UK and Japan and the UK’s commitment to a long-time maritime security in the Indo-Pacific regions.”
(PHOTO CREDIT: theguardian.com)