A German frigate plans to make a port call at Tokyo in November after visiting Australia and Guam as part of a mission in the Indo-Pacific region, Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer has said.
The plan comes as China asserts territorial claims in the East and South China seas, with Germany vowing to reinforce ties with Japan and other regional partners by dispatching the Bayern and upholding freedom of navigation in international waters.
The naval vessel, which left the German port of Wilhelmshaven on Aug. 2, is expected to take part in joint drills with the Maritime Self-Defense Force in an effort to enhance coordination with Japan.