Russia says participation of Japanese navy in joint drills with US is cause for concern

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria ​Zakharova said on Friday that the participation of the Japanese navy in joint ‌drills with ‌the ​US is ‌a ⁠cause ​for concern ⁠and increases tensions. (AP/File)
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Updated 24 April 2026
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Russia says participation of Japanese navy in joint drills with US is cause for concern

  • Philippine and US forces began annual exercises ⁠on Monday in which ‌Japan ‌is ​taking ‌active part for ‌the first time

MOSCOW: Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria ​Zakharova said on Friday that the participation of the Japanese navy in joint ‌drills with ‌the ​US is ‌a ⁠cause ​for concern ⁠and increases tensions.
Philippine and US forces began annual exercises ⁠on Monday in which ‌Japan ‌is ​taking ‌active part for ‌the first time.
The April 20 to May 8 ‌exercises known as “Balikatan,” or “shoulder-to-shoulder,” are ⁠the ⁠largest yet in terms of participating countries, also including Australia, Canada, France and New Zealand.