French navy vessels set sail to take part in exercises with Japan, others

The French government has dispatched an amphibious assault ship and a frigate to the Indian Ocean for joint exercises with Japan, the United States, Australia, Britain and India.

The Dixmude and frigate La Fayette left the southern French port of Toulon on Wednesday.

The French defense ministry says the two vessels will participate in joint drills with Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force and the US, Australian, British and Indian navies between March and around April.

At a ceremony held before the vessels set sail, General Thierry Burkhard, chief of defense, described the mission as at-sea operational training. But he called on the sailors and soldiers on board to be prepared for possible combat.

Following the ceremony, the captain of the Dixmude, Emmanuel Mocard, told NHK that France has strengthened its partnership with Japan in waters near Japan, the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific despite the distances between the two nations. He added he is glad to be able to conduct exercises with Japan.

Observers say with China stepping up its influence in the Asia-Pacific region, France aims to keep China in check by joining hands with Japan, the US and other countries.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230209_05/