Canada in areas of tension in the Pacific in Asia | north korea

Nearly 300 Canadian Forces personnel are participating in a UN mission at sea and in the air to enforce sanctions on North Korea. This contribution to an international force also demonstrates Canada’s growing interest in security in the Indo-Pacific region.

An unusual sight. On the runway of the US Kaneda Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, last week, a bagpipe player escorted Canadian soldiers about to take off.

A special welcome was given to the Commander of the 1st Canadian Air Division, Major General Ian Huddleston, who came to see how his men’s mission was progressing.

The CP-140 Aurora, equipped with sonar, radars and cameras, is conducting surveillance activities in the Indo-Pacific region as part of what is known as Operation Neon.

Our members look for any signs of illegal activities on board ships. They also monitor the transfer of petroleum products from one ship to another.“, explains Major General Huddleston.

The goal is to collect information and transmit it toUnited nations In order to combat the illegal transfer of oil and prevent the development of North Korea’s nuclear program.

For five years, Canada participated in an international force to enforce UN sanctions.United nations Imposed before 2017 against North Korea. Members of the Canadian Armed Forces serve alongside countries such as Australia, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.

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The Canadian mission initially called “Projection” changed its name to “Neon” with the unveiling of the Canadian Indo-Pacific strategy last fall.

Canadian aircraft and ships will continue to patrol the Indo-Pacific region several times a year as part of this mission until 2026.

It is also a demonstration of solidarity with Canadian partners in the region, including Japan and South Korea.

This is our contribution to maintaining a law-based international order. We can help show our partners in the region that we care about their security concerns as much as we care about theirs.specifies Major General Huddleston.

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Given Canada’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific, Canada’s military presence has also grown, explains a Canadian military official stationed in Japan, Captain Rob Watt. He pointed out that the workload and the number of accompanying visitors are more difficult.

There are a lot of security problems in this area. There is a lot of uncertainty. There are threats such as North Korea, which has demonstrated its willingness to continue testing new weapons.

Since 2017, missiles have been launched over Japan and into the Pacific Ocean. There are other forces that threaten the international order. There are also many disputes over international waters and territories.

The collision between a Chinese Liberation Army ship and a Philippine ship this week illustrates the growing tensions in the region, especially in the Taiwan Strait.

In addition to the important economic component of Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy, security in the region and conflict prevention are priorities.

Canada therefore plays a major role as a maritime nation in the Pacific. We are working with our partners and trying to prevent these problems from getting worse.

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At the US naval base in Okinawa, another Canadian plane is docked.

Atmospheric monitoring activities are not only performed for the neon process. Canadian frigate HMX Vancouver has also been sailing in the East China Sea since August.

About 250 members of the Canadian Forces are participating in this mission. A CH-148 Cyclone helicopter helps monitor illegal activities in this area, where many ships roam and dangerous Chinese maneuvers at sea and in the air are frequently documented.

We also undertake port visits such as currently in Okinawa, Japanidentifies Canadian Forces Captain Veronique Samson. So, we rotate Operation NEON and also our presence in support of the Government of Canada’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific region.

We are really looking forward to supporting our partners in the Indo-Pacific region. The Indo-Pacific region is really important to Canada’s economy and relationships.

the HMX Vancouver will continue its international mission until next December.