MANILA, Philippines — Japan has offered to assist the Philippines develop its own military-industrial complex via strategic technology transfers and outright equipment donations, a source at the defense department told the Inquirer on Wednesday. The talks were staged a few months after both countries agreed to expand defense cooperation. The two countries’ foreign and defense ministers met in April to expand defense cooperation amid concerns over the situations in the East and South China Seas and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Closer tiesThe officials agreed to boost defense cooperation through defense capability and capacity building, joint exercises, reciprocal visits, and the transfer of more equipment and technology. ADVERTISEMENTJapan has also transferred defense and technology equipment that could help the Philippines boost patrols in the South China Sea, where it has territorial disputes with China.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer June 16, 2022 07:59 UTC