Japan not to invite Russia to int’l fleet review

12:55 JST, June 8, 2022

TOKYO (Jiji Press) — Japan will not invite Russia to an international fleet review and another event it will host this year, in the wake of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said Tuesday.

Kishi revealed this at a news conference. The fleet review is for commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Tokyo has canceled its invitation to Russia for the fleet review and a gathering of the Western Pacific Naval Symposium, Kishi said, noting that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine “shakes the foundation of international order.”

It is the first time in 20 years for Japan to host an international fleet review. The previous review organized by the East Asian nation, held to mark 50 years since the launch of the MSDF, was joined by naval forces from 11 foreign countries including Russia.

The WPNS is held in rotation by 22 member countries, including the United States, China, Russia and South Korea.