Russia says participation of Japanese navy in joint drills with US is cause for concern

MOSCOW - Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Friday (April 24) that the participation of the Japanese navy in joint drills with the US is a cause for concern and increases tensions.

Philippine and US forces began annual exercises on Monday in which Japan is taking active part for the first time.

The April 20 to May 8 exercises known as Balikatan, or "shoulder-to-shoulder", are the largest yet in terms of participating countries, also including Australia, Canada, France and New Zealand.

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