Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force said Tuesday it has conducted its first joint drill with Solomon Islands maritime police, amid concerns over China's growing military clout on the South Pacific island nation following a controversial security pact between them.The MSDF said its destroyer Kirisame engaged in a maritime security exercise on Monday in the South Pacific with the patrol boat Taro from Solomon Islands' Police Maritime. They were also joined by the U.S. Navy's littoral combat ship Oakland.With the Solomon Islands having no military force, the Police Maritime effectively functio…READ FULL ARTICLE
