SAN DIEGO — Japanese troops will converge on California's southern coast in the next two weeks as part of an unprecedented military exercise with US troops aimed at improving that country's amphibious attack abilities. US and Japanese military officials said the training will help Japan's Self-Defense Force better respond to crises such as natural disasters. But China may see it differently, given the tensions between Tokyo and Beijing over islands claimed by both in the East China Sea. “It's another dot that the Chinese will connect to show this significant expanding military cooperation,” said Tai Ming Cheung, an analyst of Chinese and East Asian security affairs and director of the Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation at the University of California, San Diego. The drill comes just days after Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit with President Barack Obama at a California estate, where they discussed topics including the Pacific region's mounting tensions. China asked the United States and Japan to cancel the drill, scheduled to begin Tuesday, Japan's Kyodo News service reported, citing unnamed Japanese government sources. The Japanese Defense and Foreign Ministries would not confirm whether China had made any request but said they are going ahead with the exercises. The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not respond to The Associated Press for comment on whether China requested a cancellation. In regard to the drill itself, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said: “We hope the relevant sides can focus on peace and stability in this region, and do more to contribute to mutual trust and regional peace and stability.” US military officials said strengthening Japan's amphibious capabilities is vital as the US focuses more attention on developing an Asia-Pacific strategy amid ongoing Defense Department budget cuts. The region has been roiled by tensions due to North Korean long-range rocket and nuclear tests and maritime territorial disputes between China and its neighbors. — AP
