Japan to send warships to the Philippines to counter China

 

Japan to send warships to the Philippines to counter China

Japan is preparing to hand over six of its warships to the Philippines to counter Beijing's military dominance in the South and East China Seas, Japanese daily Yomiuri reported. The decision was taken as part of strengthening defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines, two close allies of the United States.

Yomiuri said plans are in the final stages to hand over six of Japan's Abukuma-class destroyers - which have been used by the country's Maritime Self-Defense Force for more than three decades - to the Philippines. A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting between Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani and his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Theodoro in Singapore last month, the sources said.

As part of the agreement, a Philippine military delegation will visit the warships this summer. Japan's defence ministry declined to comment when asked for comment by Reuters. The Philippine military and China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Both Tokyo and Manila are concerned about China's growing military activity. China has repeatedly threatened the Philippines in the South China Sea and Japan in the East China Sea. At the same time, military cooperation between the two countries has increased.

Last year, Japan and the Philippines signed a mutual access agreement, allowing the two countries' militaries to be deployed on each other's territory. They have also participated in joint military exercises, Japan's radar support package and high-level strategic dialogues.

"Although Japan's constitution restricts the export of warships, Tokyo says the equipment and communications delivered to Manila will be considered a" "joint development project" "that does not violate pacifist principles."

Abukuma-class destroyers are relatively small in size. Each ship has a crew of about 120 people. The warships are equipped with anti-submarine sensors, anti-ship missiles, torpedo tubes and heavy artillery, the Japanese navy said.

Currently, the Philippine Navy does not have any destroyers. Their fleet consists only of light-armed ships of the frigate and corvette class, which are much weaker in size and power than the destroyers. Analysts believe that these warships from Japan will add great capabilities to their sea defense.