Japan, Philippines to fast-track transfer of navy destroyers

AI Summary

During a visit to the Philippines, Japan's defense minister announced plans for a swift transfer of navy destroyers as part of a deepening military cooperation. This initiative aims to strengthen response capabilities against mutual threats posed by China's territorial ambitions.

Japan’s defence minister pledged to deepen military cooperation with the Philippines during a visit Tuesday to Manila, aiming for the “early transfer” of Abukuma-class destroyers to the archipelago nation. The two countries’ shared grievances over Chinese territorial claims have seen them draw increasingly close in recent years, including the signing of a reciprocal access agreement allowing for the deployment of troops on each other’s territory. Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi’s visit came as...