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Japan agrees in principle to transfer defence equipment to Philippines
Highlights
Japan \"agreed in principle\" on Thursday to transfer defence equipment to the Philippines, as the two countries expressed concern over China\'s island-building in disputed waters.
Japan "agreed in principle" on Thursday to transfer defence equipment to the Philippines, as the two countries expressed concern over China's island-building in disputed waters.
Following a bilateral meeting in Manila, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Philippine President Benigno Aquino said they hoped to start the transfer soon. Abe added that Japan would "consider" Aquino's request for "large patrol vessels" for the Philippine coast guard.
"We hope to sign this agreement sooner rather than later," Aquino said, referring to the defence deal, during a joint press conference following the talks.
The defence equipment transfer was first discussed during Aquino's state visit to Japan in June. Thursday's meeting at the end of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit was the seventh between the two leaders.
Aquino, who hosted Abe, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Asia Pacific leaders for a trade summit this week, did not specifically mention ongoing maritime tensions with Beijing.
However, Abe said: "We share deep concerns over unilateral actions to change the status quo such as the large-scale land reclamation and building of outposts in the South China Sea."
"At the same time we confirmed the importance of partnership in the global community based on rule of law to protect open, free and peaceful seas," Abe said.
The Philippines and Japan are embroiled in separate sea disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea and East China Sea respectively.
The Philippines has raised alarm over China's island-building on disputed shoals in the South China Sea, prompting long-standing ally the United States to sail a vessel near the new artificial islands.
Earlier this week, US President Barack Obama announced more than $250 million in maritime aid to Washington's Southeast Asian allies including a warship for the Philippines.
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