TOKYO, July 21. /ITAR-TASS/. The American, South Korean and Japanese navies have started two-day rescue training maneuvers near South Korea's Jejudo Island on Monday, the Japanese Defense Ministry announced.

There were no reports about the number of ships. However, according to the media, the US nuclear-powered aircraft-carrier George Washington, which arrived in South Korea's waters on July 11, may take part in the drills.

North Korea harshly reacts to the exercises, believing it is preparation for aggression. In recent weeks, Pyongyang repeatedly fired short-range ballistic missiles at nearby waters and had firing practice with the use of multiple rocket launchers.