In a significant move, Japan and the Philippines agreed to speed up negotiations on the transfer of warships from the former to the latter, as well as on the exchange of classified military information. During the official visit of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the Japanese capital on May 28, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the upgrade of bilateral relations as a “comprehensive strategic partnership” and a “landmark” for regional security and stability.
The special formality given to the visit by Japan was also impressive, as Marcos Jr. visited Emperor Naruhito (a rare event) and also delivered a speech to the Japanese Diet (Parliament). These moves show how much importance Japan attaches to forming an alliance with the Philippines.
In the defense sector, the two leaders focused on the rapid advancement of the concession of up to six Japanese Abukuma-class escort destroyers, which are now in service but scheduled for retirement. The vessels, built between 1989-1993, have a displacement of approximately 2,500 tons loaded, a length of 109 meters, a beam of 13.4 and a CODOG propulsion system, combining two Kawasaki-RR SM1A turbines and two 6,000 horsepower Mitsubishi diesel engines.
The armament includes 8 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, 8 ASROC anti-submarine rockets, an Otobreda 76 mm cannon, a 20 mm Phalanx CIWS and torpedoes. The Harpoon and ASROCs will be removed when the ships are handed over to the Philippines, but even so, the ships are suitable for patrolling and EEZ surveillance operations. So they will provide support to the Philippine Navy, which is under great pressure from the Chinese.
In addition to the Abukuma, there is also discussion of the granting of more Japanese Beechcraft King Air TC-90 aircraft, which are used for maritime patrol. Previously, 5 were granted and now another 5 are planned, which will probably undergo some upgrade program.
The third part of the bilateral cooperation is the expansion of the older agreement for the exchange of classified information (GSOMIA), again in the context of a regional alliance and in cooperation with the US and Australia.
The agreement comes amid escalating tension between Manila and Beijing. China claims almost 90% of the South China Sea, so incidents between patrol boats of the two countries and their fishing fleets are very frequent, while Beijing is attempting to create artificial islands in various places in order to install guards, port facilities, and even airports there. Correspondingly, Japan, which faces similar threats around the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, sees the Philippines as a crucial part of the “first island chain” to stop Chinese expansionism.
