YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA PREF. ¨C Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba inspected the Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter carrier Kaga, which is becoming a de facto aircraft carrier, at the MSDF¡¯s Yokosuka base in Kanagawa Prefecture on Saturday.
The prime minister also boarded a British Royal Navy aircraft carrier, currently docked at the U.S. Navy¡¯s Yokosuka base, in a bid to highlight cooperation between Japan and Britain.
¡°In order to protect our country¡¯s independence and peace, we must further boldly advance efforts to strengthen deterrence,¡± Ishiba said in a speech at a hangar of the Kaga, referring to the severe security environment surrounding Japan.
¡°China is expanding and intensifying its military activities around our country,¡± he said, noting that two Chinese aircraft carriers sailed simultaneously in waters near Japan in June.
¡°It is necessary for Japan to constantly advance efforts to strengthen its deterrence and response capabilities on its own initiative,¡± the prime minister said, expressing a sense of crisis over moves by Russia and North Korea.
The conversion of the Kaga into a de facto aircraft carrier is part of efforts to strengthen deterrence, he said, adding: ¡°It will contribute to strengthening the defense of the sea and air.¡±
In May, the prime minister visited the MSDF¡¯s Maizuru base in Kyoto Prefecture to inspect ships.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the British Royal Navy¡¯s Prince of Wales on Saturday, Ishiba said the vessel¡¯s port call in Japan demonstrates Britain¡¯s commitment to peace and stability in the region.
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