Japan to transfer several used naval ships to Manila
China on Monday accused Japan of disrupting the South China Sea by supplying naval ships to the Philippines.
"In recent years, Japan has continuously exported weapons and equipment abroad in an attempt to form small cliques to disrupt the South China Sea and create instability in the Asia-Pacific region," said Jiang Bin, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson.
He was commenting on Japan's plan to export six used Abukuma-class navy destroyers to the Philippines.
"China has always maintained that defense and security cooperation between relevant countries should not target or harm the interests of third parties," said Jiang.
Referring to World War II, he said: "Japanese militarism committed aggression and colonial rule against neighboring countries, including China and the Philippines, and occupied islands in the South China Sea, bearing grave historical responsibility."
The Philippines has confirmed that Japan will transfer several of its used naval ships to Manila amid efforts to strengthen deterrence and response capabilities.
Japan and the Philippines recently signed a new defense pact, allowing Japanese troops to participate in joint military drills on the Philippines soil – a first in their bilateral ties.
