MANILA: (Bernama-Kyodo) Japan and the Philippines agreed Tuesday (May 5) to establish a framework for working-level talks on the export of used destroyers to the Philippines, with the two countries sharing concerns over China's maritime assertiveness, Kyodo News reported.
The agreement was reached at a meeting in Manila between Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro.
Last month, Japan eased limits on defence equipment exports to enable the sale of weapons with lethal capabilities such as destroyers and fighter jets.
The potential transfer of destroyers could become the first such case under the new rules.
With China continuing military activities in the East and South China seas, the two ministers also agreed to expand defence cooperation.
Japan is trying to strengthen maritime security ties with the Philippines, which is located along key sea lanes.
Using common defence equipment is expected to improve interoperability between their forces.
Japan is considering exporting the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Abukuma-class destroyer equipped with high-performance guns and anti-ship missile systems, as well as its TC-90 training aircraft.
The transfer could be made free of charge following necessary legal arrangements, according to sources familiar with the matter. - Bernama-Kyodo
