Japan Arms the Philippines Under the Pretext of 'China'
Kyodo News, May 5: Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba met with Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, on May 5, agreeing to establish a framework for "working-level consultations on the export of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force's second-hand frigates."
The Japanese government revised its "Three Principles on Defense Equipment Exports" and operational guidelines in April, lifting the ban on exporting lethal weapons—this will be the first such export project.
Japanese media reported: "Given China's intensified military activities in the East China Sea and South China Sea," both sides agreed to expand defense cooperation.
Japan stated: "In response to military deterrence against China, Japan plans to strengthen maritime security cooperation with the Philippines, which is located at a critical node along sea routes. Using common equipment between Japan and the Philippines can also enhance operational interoperability." After the meeting, both sides signed a joint statement promoting defense equipment collaboration.
In the joint press release, Ishiba said he would advance "comprehensive equipment cooperation," including education, training, and support for equipment maintenance, with the goal of expediting the export of frigates.
The frigate currently under export negotiations is the "Abukuma-class," equipped with high-performance artillery and anti-ship missiles.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864354250308745/
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