“Japan and the Philippines agreed Tuesday to establish a framework for working-level talks on the export of used destroyers to the Philippines, with the two countries sharing concerns over China’s maritime assertiveness…”
“Last month, Japan revised ‘the three principles on the transfer of defense equipment and technology,’ enabling the sale of weapons with lethal capabilities such as destroyers and fighter jets. The potential transfer of destroyers could become the first such case under the new rules…”
“Koizumi and Teodoro also agreed to step up multilateral defense cooperation, involving other key partners such as the United States and Australia…”
“The transfer could be made free of charge following necessary legal arrangements, according to sources familiar with the matter.”