Russia expresses protest to Japan due to exercises near its Far Eastern borders

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed a strong protest to the Embassy of Japan in Moscow regarding the participation of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force in large-scale military exercises of the US armed forces, Resolute Force Pacific, Report informs, citing, the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The drills are taking place from July 9 to August 4, including at military training bases located in close proximity to the Far Eastern borders of the Russian Federation.

"The declared goal of the exercises is to improve operational compatibility and build up Washington and Tokyo's 'deterrence and response' potential in conditions close to combat. At the same time, the Self-Defense Forces command made direct hints that the necessity of these activities is dictated by Russia's intensification of measures to strengthen its defense capabilities," the statement on the ministry's website says.

Moscow regards such activity as irresponsible and a sign of preparation for armed conflict. The Russian side states that such actions pose a potential threat to national security and will inevitably entail adequate countermeasures.