A Japanese submarine and two destroyers are making a port call in southern Vietnam in an apparent show of force against China's maritime activities.
Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force deployed a marine fleet, including the country's largest destroyer Kaga, in September to waters in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean.
The Japanese government's top spokesperson has said a Maritime Self-Defense Force ship will receive supplies at a port in the Middle East on waters where an information-gathering mission is planned. But he did not name a specific port.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters on Wednesday about a government plan to send the destroyer Takanami to the area next month. The ship will gather information to ensure the safety of commercial ships with ties to Japan.