This photo shows German navy frigate the Bayern in Tokyo on Nov. 5, 2021. (Kyodo)
The Mainichi: Japan defense chief inspects German navy frigate Bayern
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi on Friday inspected the German navy frigate Bayern, the European country's first military vessel to make a port call in Japan in about 20 years.
Kishi's visit to the frigate at a Tokyo cruise terminal was to demonstrate robust bilateral ties, according to the Defense Ministry. Japan and Germany have been deepening their defense cooperation in response to China's military buildup and assertive territorial claims in the Indo-Pacific.
The minister hailed the port call in Japan, saying at a press conference following the inspection, "It is of great significance in showing Germany's commitment to contributing to peace and stability in this region actively."
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Update #1: Japan, Germany expand military ties as German warship visits (AP)
Update #2: German warship visits Japan for first time in 20 years (DW)
WNU Editor: This military relationship has certainly evolved since World War II.
