Tokyo, June 16 -- Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force personnel are set to participate in parachute drop training in the Philippines' northernmost island province of Batanes, which faces Taiwan, Japanese and Philippine defence officials said, according to Kyodo News.

The free-fall jump drill is scheduled to take place later this month under Kamandag, an annual exercise conducted by the Philippine and US Marines. South Korea, Japan and several other countries are participating as observers. This year's exercise, involving more than 2,200 personnel, will continue until July 1.

According to Kyodo News, the move is aimed at demonstrating closer defence ties between Japan and the Philippines and is likely to draw criticism from China.

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