TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The commander of US Marine forces in the Ind-Pacific, James Glynn, visited Ishigaki, located off the east coast of Taiwan on Oct. 23. 

A press release from US Indo-Pacific Command indicated that US Marines are training on the island with the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) as part of bilateral Exercise Keen Sword 25, which includes events throughout Japan. General Glynn was also accompanied by Roger Turner III, the commanding general of the forward-deployed Third Marine Expeditionary Force. 

As part of the Keen Sword 25 exercises, which will finish on Nov. 1, marines from the Third Expeditionary Force are reportedly working with the JSDF’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade to practice “unilateral” and “side-by-side” amphibious landings. The exercises are designed to “demonstrate the capability of forward-deployed forces to rapidly counter aggression against Japan and other regional allies,” reported US Forces Japan. 

Ishigaki is part of the Sakishima Islands, Okinawa’s southernmost island group, and only a few hundred kilometers from Taiwan. The islands would be crucial for supporting Taiwan in the event of a Chinese blockade or invasion. 

Glynn was quoted by the press release saying “The strength and depth of integration between US Marines and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in the Sakishima Islands is impressive. The training demonstrated capabilities that affirm, should a crisis occur; we will effectively respond in mutual support of the alliance and Japanese people.”

The visit to Ishigaki marks the first time that a commander of the Marine Corps Forces in the Indo-Pacific has visited the strategically located islands. This marks a “significant milestone” in the US- Japan military alliance, per the press release.