Japan will provide used naval destroyers to the Philippines to help strengthen its defense against China’s maritime activities, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Sunday (July 6). This move reflects growing security cooperation between the two U.S. allies amid regional tensions with Beijing. According to Yomiuri, Japan plans to transfer six Abukuma-class destroyer escorts that have served with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force for over 30 years. The agreement was reportedly reached last month in Singapore during a meeting between Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro. As part of the process, the Philippine military is expected to inspect the vessels this summer.

In a statement on Sunday, the Philippine Navy confirmed that a team of naval experts will evaluate the destroyers, following an invitation from Japan’s defense ministry. The outcome of this inspection will guide future decisions regarding the acquisition and how it aligns with the Philippines’ ongoing naval modernization plans. The navy described the initiative as a sign of deepening defense ties between Manila and Tokyo. Japan’s defense ministry declined to comment on the report, and China’s foreign ministry has not yet responded to inquiries from Reuters.

Both Japan and the Philippines have expressed growing concern over China’s assertive behavior in disputed maritime regions — the South China Sea in the case of the Philippines and the East China Sea for Japan. Their military cooperation has been expanding and includes joint drills, radar equipment aid, and a high-level strategic dialogue. Notably, both countries signed a reciprocal access agreement last year — Japan’s first in Asia — enabling the deployment of forces on each other’s territory.

To navigate Japan’s strict arms export rules under its pacifist constitution, Tokyo will classify any upgrades to the destroyers, such as the addition of new communication systems requested by Manila, as part of a joint development project, Yomiuri said. The Abukuma-class destroyers, each with a displacement of 2,000 tons and a crew of about 120, are equipped with anti-submarine and anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and guns. The Philippine Navy currently lacks destroyers in its fleet, operating only smaller frigates and corvettes.