PH welcomes Japan's easing of arms export rules for defense

The Philippines welcomed Japan's easing of long-standing restrictions on arms exports, saying the move could enhance Manila's access to high-quality military equipment and strengthen regional security.

In a statement, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said "the Department of National Defense welcomes the results of the Review of the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and its Implementation Guidelines."

Teodoro said the development will allow the Philippines to access defense articles of the highest quality and supportability.

The Defense chief said this will enable the Philippines to strengthen domestic resilience and will contribute to regional stability through deterrence in a meaningful way.

"Our defense partnership with Japan has entered a new era of working together and with other like-minded partners to secure our individual and collective rights and entitlements under international law through principled advocacy buttressed by deterrence," Teodoro said.

Teodoro said he is looking forward to the upcoming visit of Japanese official Shinjiro Koizumi, where both sides are expected to discuss mechanisms to further strengthen bilateral defense ties.

Citing sources, Reuters reported Tuesday that Japan revealed an overhaul of its defense export rules, removing many restrictions on overseas arms sales.

One of the first deals could be the export of used warships to Manila, based on the report. — VDV, GMA News