British warship docks in Tokyo as UK expands presence in Asia
Tokyo — A British warship has docked in Tokyo as Britain seeks to expand its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
Members of @40commando conducting GMPG and SA80 A2 training on board @hms_albion whilst deployed in the Far East. @DefenceHQ @RoyalMarines @RoyalNavy pic.twitter.com/rxXjPEAa3s
— Defence Operations (@DefenceOps) August 2, 2018
The HMS Albion arrived Friday in the middle of a heat wave to start a five-day visit. The amphibious assault ship has been conducting maritime security and surveillance operations in Asia in recent weeks.
.@HMS_Albionと @JMSDF_PAO 掃海母艦「うらが」の一般公開は、8月4日(土)が12.00～17.00、5日(日)が10.00～16.00(両日とも最終受付は終了30分前)。艦内ツアーや船員や英国海兵隊員と交流する機会も予定されています。HMSアルビオン艦長ティム・ニールド海軍大佐のメッセージをどうぞ。 @RoyalNavy pic.twitter.com/9ysSvx51CJ
— 🇬🇧UK in Japan🇯🇵 (@UKinJapan) August 1, 2018
It is the second of three British warships due to be deployed to Asia this year, the first such deployments in several years.
Britain and Japan agreed last year to step up defense cooperation in the face of a growing threat from North Korea and China’s expanding presence in the South China Sea. The waters are a major shipping lane for global trade including Britain’s. /vvp
