TBS reported today that around 10 officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense boarded this morning the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Izumo-class destroyer Kaga anchored at the MSDF base in Yokosuka, which President Trump is scheduled to visit during his trip to Japan from May 25. They also boarded a Ground SDF helicopter as part of a rehearsal for the President’s inspection of the ship. TBS noted that Japan is planning to procure F-35B fighters from the U.S. for the Kaga after the vessel is effectively converted into an aircraft carrier. The network suggested that by boarding the Kaga, President Trump wants to demonstrate to the world the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance in an attempt to restrain China’s maritime advance.