Japan Moves to Assess Possibility of Mid-Range Missile Sales to the Philippines
according to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News agency, Kyodo News reported that amid rising concerns over China’s growing threat, Japan is considering selling surface-to-air missiles to the Philippines. This move aims to address escalating security challenges in the region.
The report states that these U.S. allies in the Far East are negotiating over the purchase and sale of the medium-range Type 3 missiles, which Japan has deployed on Ishigaki Island near Taiwan.
Last month, the Philippine Navy unveiled its BrahMos missile system capable of launch from air, land, sea, and underwater platforms.
Defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines could heighten tensions between Tokyo and Beijing.The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan has pledged to lift long-standing restrictions on arms exports.
In recent weeks, friction between Beijing and Tokyo intensified following statements by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding potential Chinese military action against Taiwan.
The Japanese prime minister warned that an attack on Taiwan would threaten Japan’s existence and might prompt a military response from Tokyo.
China has called for Takaichi to retract her remarks and urged its citizens to avoid travel to Japan. this decision has led to widespread cancellations of Chinese visits to Japan and could inflict significant economic losses on Tokyo.
