Japan to Skip Multilateral Naval Drills off Busan

Warships from 12 countries including South Korea, the U.S., Japan and China will hold naval drills in Busan and Singapore aimed at thwarting North Korea's illicit activities on the high seas.

But Japan is staying away from the part of the drills in Busan over chilled relations with South Korea and an aversion here to having the rising-sun flag flown in local waters.

The Navy said Sunday that the joint ASEAN Defense Minister's Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) exercises will begin on Tuesday and last until May 13. It will involve 16 warships and six aircraft from 12 out of the 18 member nations.

Australia, Brunei, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are taking part.

The first part will take place in waters of Busan until May 2 and focus on joint responses to crime on the high seas and rescue missions, while the second portion will be held off Singapore from May 9-13 aims to thwart maritime smuggling.

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