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Japan to host the Proliferation Security Initiative Maritime Interdiction Exercise

August 2004

  1. Japan has decided to host the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Maritime Interdiction Exercise off the coast of Tokyo Bay in the second half of October. This exercise will be organised with the participation of the Japan Coast Guard, Japan Defense Agency and other related ministries and agencies of Japan.
  2. PSI is an international effort to stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and missiles, which is a threat to the peace and stability of the international society, in accordance with the international law and each country's domestic laws. Japan has been participating actively in the initiative since its inception.
  3. While ten PSI interdiction exercises have already been organised in various regions of the world, this exercise will be the first to be held in Asia. The hosting of the interdiction exercise by Japan will provide a good opportunity to deepen understanding amongst Asian countries regarding PSI's efforts to stop proliferation and to bring together enhanced co-operation and improved capability between related countries and organisations. Through efforts of this kind, Japan is making a contribution to the peace and security of the Asian region.
  4. Looking towards the staging of this exercise, Japan intends to encourage the PSI core group and neighbouring Asian countries, as much as possible, to participate in the exercise with vessels, units and observers.

(Note) Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI)

PSI is an initiative to consider collective measures among the participating countries in order to stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their related materials (proposed by US President Bush in May 2003). In accordance with the Statement of Interdiction Principles, which stipulates the principles of the PSI, Japan has participated, including as an observer, in exercises to improve necessary capabilities for interdiction activities, and is urging Asian countries to co-operate in and support the PSI.

The PSI is administered by the "core group" countries, which, at present, consist of 15 countries (Japan, US, UK, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Canada, Norway and Russia).

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