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Japan Hosts PSI Pacific Shield 25 Security Drill

Japan to Host PSI Maritime Interdiction Exercise Pacific Shield 25

A line of multinational personnel in white protective hazmat suits and blue gloves stand on a dock at a Japanese port, with cargo ships, coastal buildings, and a yellow crane in the background under overcast skies.
International participants in protective suits assemble during the Proliferation Security Initiative Maritime Interdiction Exercise “Pacific Shield 25” hosted by Japan near Tokyo.

Japan will host the Proliferation Security Initiative Maritime Interdiction Exercise Pacific Shield 25 in Tokyo and the sea and airspace off the coast of the Boso Peninsula from December 2 to 4, followed by a PSI Operational Experts Group meeting in Tokyo on December 5.

Overview of the Proliferation Security Initiative

The Proliferation Security Initiative is an international effort aimed at preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction, ballistic missiles, and related materials that pose risks to global peace and stability. The initiative operates within the frameworks of international law and national legislation. It focuses on strengthening national capabilities and raising awareness, supporting information sharing, and engaging non-participating countries through training, meetings, workshops, and related activities. Japan has been an active participant since the initiative began in 2003. PSI does not target specific states or non-state actors.

Exercise Activities and Participation

The upcoming training exercise is part of the Asia-Pacific Exercise Rotation created at the 10th Anniversary Meeting of the PSI in 2013. Japan’s participants will include agencies such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Police Agency, Ministry of Finance Customs, Japan Coast Guard, and Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces. Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United States, which are part of this rotation exercise, are also expected to participate. Observer participation has been extended to countries mainly from the Indo-Pacific region.

Planned activities include academic sessions, tabletop exercises, and training at ports and at sea. The exercise is intended to reinforce cooperation among participating nations and organizations and demonstrate the international community’s commitment to preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It is expected to enhance the understanding of Indo-Pacific countries regarding the aims and activities of the PSI.

Background of Previous PSI Exercises in Japan

This will be the fifth PSI exercise hosted by Japan, following the maritime interdiction exercise Team Samurai 04 in October 2004, the maritime interdiction exercise Pacific Shield 07 in October 2007, the air interdiction exercise Pacific Shield 12 in July 2012, and the maritime interdiction exercise Pacific Shield 18 in July 2018. It will also mark the second time Japan has hosted an Operational Experts Group meeting, with the previous meeting held in November 2010.

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