Japan and the United States today started naval military exercises in the Pacific Ocean with participation of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier.<br/><br/>The US naval group led by Carl Vinson has been sent by the United States to the Korean Peninsula amid growing tensions in the region. <br/><br/>Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force said in a statement that Japan's Samidare and Ashigara destroyers are taking part in the exercises from the Japanese side.<br/>The situation near the Korean Peninsula has escalated recently, following several missile and nuclear tests carried out by Pyongyang. <br/><br/>The international community, including the regional countries, such as Japan, has repeatedly condemned North Korea's military activities.<br/><br/>