Japan to discuss military exports to Philippines

This undated photo handout released by the Kayalaan Municipal office on July 13, 2011 shows the island of Kalayaan, which means “Freedom” in the Filipino language, that was created in 1978 mainly to assert the Philippines’ claim to the disputed territory in the Spratlys, a chain of islets in the South China Sea. AFP FILE PHOTO

TOKYO — Japan and the Philippines are set to begin discussing exporting Japanese military hardware to the Philippines, possibly anti-submarine reconnaissance aircraft and radar technology, amid increasingly assertive Chinese activity in regional seas.

An announcement on the talks is expected later Thursday when Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe meet, focusing on Beijing’s reclamation work in the South China Sea.

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Japanese media reports say that P-3C anti-submarine reconnaissance aircraft and radar technology are possible sale items. A sale of the P-3C would be Japan’s first full-fledged military export since Tokyo lifted its restrictions on military exports last year.

Under Abe’s push to expand Japan’s international military role, Japan has signed defense cooperation agreements with a number of countries to complement its cornerstone alliance with the US.

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