F-35C stealth jet sits on deck of USS Carl Vinson in the Western Pacific, south of Japan, November 30, 2021. REUTERS/Tim Kelly/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsABOARD USS CARL VINSON, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Japan's navy on Saturday announced the start of a joint annual military exercise, with the Philippines observing the operations for the first time as the two countries seek closer maritime cooperation. The Japan-led Annualex exercise started on Friday with operations conducted by the naval forces of the United States, Australia and Canada, with the Philippines attending as an observer, Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force Vice Admiral Akira Saito told reporters. Last week, Japan said it would provide radar systems to the Philippines to bolster its security. So I'm thrilled that Japan invited the Philippines to observe this year," Vice Admiral of the U.S.

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Persons: Carl Vinson, Tim Kelly, CARL VINSON, Akira Saito, Saito, I'm, U.S . Seventh Fleet Karl Thomas, Sakura Murakami, David Holmes Organizations: REUTERS, Saturday, Self, Defence Force, U.S . Seventh Fleet, East China, South China, Thomson Locations: Pacific, Japan, Philippines, United States, Australia, Canada, U.S, China, East, South