Capturing the Fury: Close-Up Photos of Asia’s Largest Joint Military Exercise, Cobra Gold
A total of 9,500 soldiers from 33 countries, including the U.S., South Korea, Thailand, and Japan and China, participated in the exercise, with the mission of "Protecting our own people from contingencies on the Korean Peninsula and in China and Taiwan!
The intentions of a great power, China
In recent years, as an exhibition, multinational parachute training by airborne and special forces units from participating countries has been incorporated into the exercises. This year, two members from the Ground Self-Defense Force participated. Additionally, countries like Singapore and Malaysia also took part. There are rumors that China has expressed interest in joining as well, aiming for full participation in “Cobra Gold,” which seems natural as they aspire to become a regular participant.
In this manner, “Cobra Gold” concluded successfully amidst various aspirations from participating countries. Multinational military exercises hold significance akin to the Olympics. To be meaningful, sending troops instead of merely observing is necessary. Becoming a regular member increases one’s influence on regional security.
It has already been decided that “Cobra Gold” will be held again next year. Whether Japan will participate in live-fire exercises, whether South Korea will increase its participation, and whether China will become a regular participant—all these remain to be seen.
Amidst the rapidly changing security environment in East Asia, the significance of these exercises continues to grow.
From the April 19, 2024 issue of FRIDAY
Photography and text by： Masayuki Kikuchi
