Officers from five ministries took part in Japan-U.S. CPX

Thirty six officers from the Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Health, Labor and Welfare, and two other agencies have for the first time taken part in Japan-U.S. Command Post Exercises February 16-20 in Tokyo.

Also present in the drill were personnel from the Foreign Ministry, the Japan Coast Guard, and the National Police Agency. Foreign ministry staff members took part in February 2000 CPX.

Such an attendance to the CPX by several ministries indicates that the Japanese government is aiming to integrate these government organizations so that they will be able to more smoothly support operations by the U.S. Forces and the Self-Defense Forces, said Akahata of February 28.

The government is pushing ahead with its plan to establish a preparedness for U.S.-led wars in areas surrounding Japan, Akahata said.

By monitoring the exercises, the officers may establish contact with each other in the event of emergencies, the Defense Agency (DA) argues.

Akahata says that the 1997 Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation Guidelines stipulated that not only the SDF but the government, local governments, and civilians are requested to play their 'appropriate roles' in an emergency. The New Guidelines also called on ministries concerned to work out operational plans and promote 'coordination' between Japan and the U.S. in contingencies.

Akahata said that the latest CPX is designed to help establish preparedness against possible attacks on Japan in the event of emergencies, including the and actual operations. (end)