Japanese troops will converge on California's southern coast in the next two weeks as part of a military exercise with US troops aimed at improving that country's amphibious attack abilities.
The unprecedented training led by US Marines and sailors starts Tuesday off the San Diego coast. US and Japanese military officials say the exercise will help Japan's Self-Defence Force operate in stronger coordination with the United States, its main ally, and better respond to crises such as natural disasters.
China may see it differently, however, given the tensions between Tokyo and Beijing over a long-running dispute concerning islands claimed by both in the East China Sea.
US and Japanese officials say the training is not connected to the dispute. Participants will practise a beach invasion and island assault.
