The Government of Japan is hosting the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Maritime Interdiction Exercise “Pacific Shield 07” in the eastern sea area off Izu Oshima, and at the Ports of Yokosuka and Yokohama, from October 13 (Sat) to 15 (Mon).

The Exercise will be participated in by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Police Agency, the Ministry of Finance (Japan Customs), the Japan Coast Guard, the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces, and other related ministries and agencies from Japan. Australia, France, New Zealand, Singapore, the U.K. and the U.S. will also participate in the Exercise, and Japan has invited other countries, including Asia-Pacific countries, as observers.

PSI is an international effort to halt the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and missiles, together with their related materials, which is a threat to the peace and stability of the international community, consistent with national legal authorities and relevant international law and framework. Japan has been participating actively in the initiative since its inception.

This is the second PSI Maritime Interdiction Exercise hosted by Japan. The first was “Team Samurai 04” in October 2004.

The exercise is held in Japan’s eastern sea area off Izu Oshima, and at the ports of Yokosuka and Yokohama. Observer countries at the exercise include Brunei, India, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Vietnam.