FOCUS: Japan's role in joint drills boosts Philippine, U.S. deterrence

MANILA - The full-fledged participation of Japanese forces has given this year's large-scale military exercise between the Philippines and the United States a new dimension and is helping create stronger regional security amid common threats, according to military officials and analysts.

In recent years, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces have either observed the annual Balikatan exercise, which is co-hosted by the Philippines and the United States, or taken part in one of its drills designed for humanitarian assistance and disaster response.