US Ally Plans Naval Power Increase Amid China Threat on Disputed Territory

U.S. ally the Philippines has confirmed the “possible transfer” of Japanese warships amid China’s growing military presence in the contested South China Sea.

Citing a government source, Japanese media reported on Sunday that the defense ministers of Japan and the Philippines discussed the warship export plan during a meeting last month.

Newsweek reached out to Japan’s Defense Ministry and the Philippine military for comment via email. China’s Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a written request for comment.

Why It Matters

Both the Philippines and China have overlapping sovereignty claims in the South China Sea, particularly over Scarborough Shoal, which is controlled by Beijing as Huangyan Dao and claimed by Manila as Bajo de Masinloc, leading to frequent standoffs and clashes between their forces.

Facing China’s growing and powerful navy and coast guard—both the world’s largest by hull count—the Philippines has enhanced its naval power by acquiring newly built warships and second-hand vessels from its allies and partners, including former United States Coast Guard ships.

What To Know

In a statement released on Sunday, the Philippine Navy said it is preparing to inspect Japan’s Abukuma-class destroyer escorts following an invitation from Japan’s Defense Ministry, as part of discussions on the possible transfer of the ships to the Southeast Asian country.

Earlier in the day, Japanese media reported the possible export of the 2,000-ton Abukuma-class warships, a total of six vessels commissioned between 1989 and 1993, each armed with a 76 mm rapid-fire gun and surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs) for anti-ship missions.

The Philippine Navy said it will send a group of naval experts to conduct what it described as an “in-depth assessment” of the Japanese warships to guide further deliberations on the potential acquisition and its alignment with the country’s naval modernization efforts.

While Japan bans the export of lethal weapons, Tokyo is expected to treat the transfer as a “joint development”—a classification permitted under its principles on the overseas transfer of military equipment—as the warships would be customized for the Philippine Navy.

Japanese Abukuma-Class Destroyer Escort
This undated photo provided by Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force shows an Abukuma-class destroyer escort.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

If the warship transfer deal is eventually confirmed, it would mark a major milestone in the growing defense partnership between the two U.S. treaty allies. Japan previously delivered patrol vessels, maritime surveillance aircraft, and mobile radar systems to the Philippines.

Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, chief of the Philippine Navy, told the specialist outlet Naval News that the earliest possible date for receiving Japanese warships is 2027.

What People Are Saying

The Philippine Navy said in a statement on Sunday: “Designed for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, the Abukuma-class destroyer escorts are known for their reliability and versatility, which align with the [Philippine Navy]’s operational requirements in protecting the country’s maritime domains.”

Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, chief of the Philippine Navy, told Naval News: “We initiated the talks after learning about Japan’s plan to retire these [Abukuma-class destroyer escorts]…We need more floating assets. This will be a good addition to our capability to patrol and defend our maritime territory.”

What Happens Next

It remains to be seen whether the Philippines will make additional vessel purchases or request further transfers of second-hand ships from its allies and partners for its navy and coast guard.

Source link

Visited 1 times, 1 visit(s) today

Related Article

Nissan to export EVs from China starting next year

Nissan to export EVs from China starting next year

Nissan is reportedly set to begin exporting electric vehicles (EVs) from its Chinese factories to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other regions starting in 2026. The move aims to leverage Nissan’s existing after-sales service network in these overseas markets. The struggling Japanese automaker is currently reviewing its global production footprint, with the goal of

Mackenzie Ferguson

Yum China Goes High-Tech: KFC and Pizza Hut Boost Efficiency with AI!

home news yum-china-goes-high-tech-kfc-and-pizza-hut-boost-efficiency-with-ai AI dishes up savings and smiles at KFC and Pizza Hut Last updated: Edited By Mackenzie Ferguson AI Tools Researcher & Implementation Consultant Yum China, the operator of popular fast-food franchises like KFC and Pizza Hut, is diving into the AI world to enhance efficiency and profitability. The company is leveraging AI

ET logo

Why did China take an aim at Rafale after Operation Sindoor?

Fighter jets are one of the most expensive products in the world. They also have their own geopolitical significance. They not only bring big revenue to exporting countries but also carry a lot of strategic heft. Export of fighter jets also brings strategic partnerships with the importing countries, particularly through joint development and production programmes,

How the Dalai Lama’s succession plans could clash with China

How the Dalai Lama’s succession plans could clash with China

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. now_mnn_australia_murders_250707 00:33 Now Playing How the Dalai Lama’s succession plans could clash with China 04:11 UP NEXT Protests against gentrification, U.S. migration lead to vandalism in Mexico 00:39 Hamas gives ‘positive response’ to Gaza ceasefire proposal 01:39 Swimmers return to

Chinese Military Patrols South China Sea

China Sends Military on Combat Patrol Against US Ally: Video

The Chinese military released a video showing it conducted a “combat-readiness patrol” around a disputed island near the Philippines—a defense treaty ally of the United States. The South China Sea island, Scarborough Shoal, known as Huangyan Dao in Chinese and Bajo de Masinloc in Filipino, has been under Beijing’s control since a 2012 maritime standoff

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x