Japan to Provide 2 Large Patrol Ships to Philippines

Vientiane, Sept. 6 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Tuesday that his country will provide two large patrol vessels to the Philippines, which is at odds with China in the South China Sea. Abe unveiled the plan at a meeting in Vientiane with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte after arriving in the Laotian capital earlier in the day to attend Association of Southeast Asian Nations-related meetings. Abe and Duterte held their first summit talks since the inauguration of the Philippine president in June. The two leaders also agreed that Japan will lease up to five TC-90 training aircraft of the Maritime Self-Defense Force to the Philippines. "We want to promote security and defense cooperation with the Philippines, including training for the country's Navy pilots and maintenance skills," Abe said at the meeting. With the support, Japan aims to help the Philippines improve its maritime surveillance capabilities at a time when China is increasing its maritime activities, sources familiar with the situation said. During the meeting, they confirmed that Tokyo and Manila will cooperate to resolve the South China Sea issue in a peaceful manner, based on a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, the Netherlands, in July that rejected China's claims in the dispute with the Philippines. Noting that the outcome of the trial should be respected, Duterte said that his country's dialogue with China will be held based on the rule of law. Abe replied that he supports Duterte's position and that Japan will continue cooperating with the Philippines in underscoring the importance of the rule of law to the international community. Abe also said he expects the Philippine leader to visit Japan at an early date. Duterte suggested that he will accept Abe's offer, saying that Japan is an old friend and outstanding partner for the Philippines. END