Japan and Philippines Deepen Defense Ties Amidst Regional Tensions

Japanese Defense Minister Gen. Nakatani and his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro met in Seoul on September 9, 2025, to discuss strengthening defense cooperation between their countries. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the annual Seoul Defense Dialogue security forum. The primary focus of their discussions was the growing need to address China's increasing assertiveness in the East and South China Seas.

A key aspect of their cooperation involves Japan's potential export of retired Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers to the Philippines. The Japanese Defense Ministry confirmed that this was a central topic of discussion. Minister Nakatani emphasized the significance of deepening defense cooperation with the Philippines for maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Japan is considering providing used Abukuma-class vessels, commissioned in 1989 or later, to the Philippines. While Japan has restrictions on exporting highly lethal weapons, including destroyers, exceptions are made for jointly developed and produced equipment. The Japanese government aims to classify the destroyer exports as "jointly developed" ships, with modifications to be made based on the Philippines' requests.

The ministers also addressed the need to further strengthen cooperation between their respective armed forces. This follows the approval of legislation in June by the Japanese parliament for a defense pact with the Philippines, which will facilitate joint exercises and disaster response efforts. This reciprocal access agreement, set to take effect later in the week, marks the third such agreement for Japan, following similar deals with Australia and Britain.

The Philippines has already acquired air surveillance radar systems from Japan to enhance its defense capabilities, particularly in response to China's activities in the South China Sea. Both nations have experienced tensions with China over territorial claims. Japan has also observed Chinese vessels entering its waters near the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

Finally, Nakatani and Teodoro underscored the importance of multinational defense cooperation, including with the United States, Australia, and South Korea, among other nations.