Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is arranging a visit to the Philippines in early May. The trip aims to advance talks with counterpart Gilberto Teodoro on exporting decommissioned Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers. Sources familiar with the matter said Sunday.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi plans to discuss the provision of used Abukuma-class destroyers from the Maritime Self-Defense Force during his visit. Senior Philippine Navy officials have shown interest in acquiring three vessels to counter China's assertiveness in the South China Sea, where Manila faces territorial disputes with Beijing.
Japan has similarly observed repeated incursions by Chinese vessels into its waters near the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. The Philippines is also considering the introduction of the Self-Defense Forces' Type-03 Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles.
Exports of highly lethal weapons like destroyers remain restricted under Japan's principles on defense equipment transfers. However, the government plans to ease these limits later this month, enabling sales to like-minded partners. As U.S. allies, Japan and the Philippines have deepened security ties, with Japan already supplying air and coastal surveillance radars.
Before the Philippines trip, Koizumi is expected to visit Indonesia to meet Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin. Indonesia has expressed interest in decommissioned MSDF destroyers and submarines as well.
