August 2, 2023
Representatives of the Japanese Communist Party Ishikawa Prefectural Committee and the local Peace Committee on July 31 visited the Air Self-Defense Force Komatsu base, and demanded that the SDF cancel its plan to hold joint fighter jet exercises separately with the Italian Air Force and the Australian Air Force at the base.
The Japan-Italy joint military drills are scheduled to take place between August 2 and August 10 while the Japan-Australia joint drills will start on August 23 and will end on September 15. Along with F-35 stealth fighters from Italy and Australia, Japan’s F-35 and F-15 fighter jets will also participate in the drills.
The JCP pointed out that due to safety and noise concerns, the U.S. has revised its F-35 deployment plan. The two organizations condemned the planned military drills using F-35s at the Komatsu base for disregarding negative impacts on the safety and living environment of residents living near the base.
Peace Committee member Shibahara Kazumi referred to the central government’s explanation that to hold joint drills with other countries’ militaries are necessary in order to realize a “free and open Indo-Pacific”. She said that Japan’s conduct of joint military exercises with China in mind will lead to the formation of an anti-China alliance and will aggravate already tense relations with China.
The Japan-Italy joint military drills are scheduled to take place between August 2 and August 10 while the Japan-Australia joint drills will start on August 23 and will end on September 15. Along with F-35 stealth fighters from Italy and Australia, Japan’s F-35 and F-15 fighter jets will also participate in the drills.
The JCP pointed out that due to safety and noise concerns, the U.S. has revised its F-35 deployment plan. The two organizations condemned the planned military drills using F-35s at the Komatsu base for disregarding negative impacts on the safety and living environment of residents living near the base.
Peace Committee member Shibahara Kazumi referred to the central government’s explanation that to hold joint drills with other countries’ militaries are necessary in order to realize a “free and open Indo-Pacific”. She said that Japan’s conduct of joint military exercises with China in mind will lead to the formation of an anti-China alliance and will aggravate already tense relations with China.
