During a recent visit to Manila, Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized the importance of bolstering military cooperation with the Philippines, aiming for an “early transfer” of Abukuma-class destroyers to the Southeast Asian nation. This initiative reflects the growing partnership between Japan and the Philippines amidst shared concerns regarding Chinese territorial ambitions in the region.
Koizumi’s visit coincided with the participation of 1,400 Japanese personnel in the annual US-Philippine military exercises for the first time. This engagement highlights the strengthening of ties between the countries, especially after Japan’s significant policy shift earlier this year that eased decades-long restrictions on arms exports.
Speaking alongside Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro, Koizumi announced the formation of a working group dedicated to defense equipment cooperation. He stated, “We agreed to move forward with discussions aimed at realizing comprehensive equipment cooperation… with a view to the early transfer of Abukuma-class destroyers and TC-90 aircraft as well as other defense equipment.”
The Abukuma-class destroyers, currently being phased out by Japan, have been on the Philippines’ radar for a while. The Philippine military intends to send a contingent to Japan in 2025 to inspect these vessels. During the briefing, Teodoro specified that the destroyers would be “a donation” rather than a purchase, though he refrained from detailing the number of ships that would be involved.
The implications of this transfer are significant, as Teodoro noted that the Philippines would also be in a position to procure defense equipment following the recent changes in Japanese arms export policy. Media reports from Japan indicate that donating the destroyers or offering them at a heavily discounted rate may require further amendments to Japan’s self-defense laws.
In his remarks, Koizumi reiterated Japan’s stance against the use of “force or coercion in the East China Sea and the South China Sea,” highlighting the increasingly tense regional environment. The Philippines has faced challenges from Chinese naval and coast guard vessels trying to assert control over strategic reefs and islands, despite an international ruling dismissing China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea.
Japan has played a crucial role in supporting the Philippines’ military modernization efforts, backing initiatives to improve South China Sea patrol capabilities and maritime surveillance systems. Earlier this year, the two nations solidified their partnership by signing a fuel and ammunition resupply agreement.
As part of ongoing military activities, both ministers are scheduled to witness a demonstration in Ilocos Norte province, where Japan will use a Type 88 anti-ship missile to target a decommissioned World War II-era naval ship. The exercise will also involve forces from the US and Canada, further illustrating the collaborative defense strategies taking shape in the region.
