Japan’s arms are open
With China operating in the West Philippine Sea, Tokyo could become a bigger supplier of Manila’s defenses.
A Japanese Abukuma-class destroyer escort. Japan and the Philippines have discussed the possible transfer of five vessels of this class to the Philippine Navy. No transfer has been finalized.
Photograph courtesy of JMSDF
Japan can now sell the Philippines weapons and other combat equipment previously restricted under its arms export rules, opening the door to a wider range of military purchases as Manila strengthens its defenses.
The change was highlighted during a Japanese military reception in Manila recently.
Japan revised its arms transfer policy in April, removing restrictions that had generally limited exports to five categories, including rescue, transport and surveillance equipment.
The new rules allow transfers of combat equipment, subject to government approval.
Japan and the Philippines are already discussing the possible transfer of five used Abukuma-class destroyers and additional TC-90 aircraft.
The destroyers could help strengthen the Philippine Navy, which faces the much larger Chinese fleet in the West Philippine Sea.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has welcomed the policy change, saying the Philippines can now purchase Japanese military equipment rather than rely solely on previous transfer arrangements.