The Keen Sword exercise, which includes 45,000 Japanese forces and 12,000 American forces, is being held from October 21 to 29, 2026. This exercise particularly focuses on strengthening international cooperation against threats from China in the maritime borders of Asia, and for the first time, countries such as France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the Philippines are also participating in this exercise.
Keen Sword Exercise and Its Objectives
This military exercise is concentrated in two major geographical areas: the southwestern islands of Japan that are in competition with China and the Kuril Islands, whose ownership is disputed by Russia. The Keen Sword exercise, in addition to strengthening bilateral cooperation, aims to create a united front against China's pressures in the East China Sea and its surrounding areas.
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Use of Advanced Weapons
During this exercise, Japanese forces and U.S. Marines will use Type 25 anti-ship missiles and the NMESIS missile system. These missiles are capable of covering areas along the Chinese coast as well as the eastern and southern flanks of Taiwan. These weapons will be particularly deployed on the Diaoyu Islands, which China claims ownership of.
Additionally, Taiwan's Defense Minister, Wellington Koo, has supported the deployment of Japanese and American forces in the Diaoyu Islands, viewing it as assistance to Taiwan's defense rather than a violation of claimed sovereignty. These collaborations represent a strategic alliance against common threats in the region.
Development of Philippines-Taiwan Relations
Meanwhile, the Philippines is also strengthening its relations with Taiwan, despite mutual claims over certain islands in the South China Sea. Manila and Taipei have decided to cooperate against China's claims on these islands. The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration has planned to send a training ship with crew and students to the Philippines in October next year, marking the first visit of this kind since 1974.
These trips, known as "Dunmu" or "Lovely," typically involve three ships, and the trip to the Philippines will likely be led by the fast support ship Panshi (AOE-532). These developments in military and maritime relations between Asian countries signify a major shift in security approaches against threats from China.
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