Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force will participate in a parachute drop training on Batanes, the Philippines’ northernmost island province that is near Taiwan, according to defense officials in both countries. The training involves a free-fall jump and is scheduled for later this month as part of “Kamandag,” an annual exercise between the Philippine and U.S. marines. This year’s event includes a larger multilateral component, with Japan and South Korea taking part, while other countries attend as observers. The exercise reportedly runs until July 1 and involves more than 2,200 participants overall. The officials describe the participation as part of continuing defense cooperation among the Philippines, Japan, and the United States, including opportunities for joint training and interoperability. The drills take place in a region where concerns about regional security and maritime activity have increased, with China frequently cited in connection with broader tensions in the area.