Japan to supply Philippine military with coastal radar and drones

Japan has agreed to provide the Philippines with a coastal radar system and surveillance drones worth 4.3 billion yen to enhance maritime monitoring. The agreement was signed by Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and Japan's ambassador in Manila. This equipment aims to protect vital shipping routes, including those in the South China Sea. Japan previously supplied five radar systems in February and is now offering a complete defense system under its Official Security Assistance program. China has criticized Japan's military expansion in the region, viewing it as a threat. Additionally, discussions are ongoing about transferring a destroyer to the Philippine navy, with training for crews planned beforehand. The EU has also approved funding to assist Philippine maritime monitoring efforts.