Tokyo, March 3 -- Defense Force, the US Marine Corps and other forces conducted a joint drill in the U.S. military's Blue Beach training field in Kin, Okinawa Prefecture, on Saturday.

The drill, part of the Iron Fist exercises being held in Kyushu and Okinawa, simulated landing from air and sea on a remote island occupied by enemy forces.

Taking place amid China's growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, the drill was aimed at strengthening the two countries' response capabilities for the urgent task of defending Japan's remote islands.

The Iron Fist exercises were conducted in the United States from fiscal 2005. The location was shifted to Japan from fiscal 2022. This year's exercises are being held from Feb. 19 to March ...