The Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military began a joint exercise Monday across Japan, with more than 50,000 members taking part in it, as the two allies beef up their response and deterrence capabilities amid China's growing military assertiveness in the region.The Keen Sword field exercise, held once every two years or so, will run through Oct. 29 and will also mobilize Japan's long-range Type-25 surface-to-ship guided missile for the first time following its deployment to an SDF base in March.At the ceremony to mark the start of the exercise, Adm. Tateki Tawara, commander of …READ FULL ARTICLE
