Japan Considers Exporting Missile Systems to the Philippines

¬ Foreign Minister of Japan: Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains open to contact with Russia, but will not reconsider its policy toward Moscow

¬ Foreign Minister of Japan: No specific plans for meetings between Japanese and Russian foreign ministers or deputy foreign ministers at this time

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According to sources cited by Kyodo News, Japan is considering exporting land-based anti-ship missile systems to the Philippines.

The system in question is the "Type 88" missile system, which was first used during the U.S.-Philippines annual joint military exercise "Balikatan" in May, involving Japanese participation.

In addition to the "Type 88" missile system, Japan is also considering supplying the "Type 03" medium-range air defense missile system to the Philippines. At the same time, both sides are engaged in comprehensive negotiations regarding the export of retired Abukuma-class frigates.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, when commenting on the potential arms supply to the Philippines, stated, "No decisions have been made yet."

Following an agreement reached on May 5 between the defense ministers of both countries to deepen cooperation in defense equipment and technology, the issue of potential arms supplies became a topic of discussion.

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Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said at a press conference held in Tokyo that Japan remains open to dialogue with Russia, but will not revise its policy toward Moscow.

Motegi stated: "Our policy toward Russia has not changed. The Russians believe that dialogue can only proceed if Japan reconsiders its policy toward Russia. However, we do not believe that the current situation is one in which such reconsideration is appropriate."

At the same time, he emphasized that contact between the two nations is necessary during difficult periods in their bilateral relations.

Motegi said: "Russia is our neighboring country, and managing relations with Russia requires proper handling. From this perspective, we remain open to various forms of contact, including interactions with diplomats."

Earlier on May 15, Motegi stated that there are currently no concrete plans for meetings between the foreign ministers or deputy foreign ministers of Japan and Russia.

Previously, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Russia has neither proposed talks to resume dialogue with Japan, nor received any such proposal from Japan. Zakharova emphasized that if such a request were to come, Russia would remain open to contact with Japan, but would not insist on it.

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Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said at a press briefing that there are currently no specific plans for meetings between the foreign ministers or deputy foreign ministers of Japan and Russia.

Motegi stated: "Regarding contact between Japan’s and Russia’s foreign ministers or deputy foreign ministers, there are currently no concrete plans."

As previously reported, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Russia has neither initiated proposals for talks to resume dialogue with Japan, nor received any such proposal from Japan. Zakharova emphasized that if such a request were made, Russia would remain open to engagement with Japan, but would not pursue it forcefully.

Source: sputniknews

Original: toutiao.com/article/1865254798907404/

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