MANILA: Japan on Thursday ( Dec 5 ) granted the Philippines 1.6 billion yen ( US$ 10.6 million ) aimed at beefing up its naval capabilities, a day after Manila said the China Coast Guard had “harassed” its government vessels.
The Spanish Navy will receive more rigid-hulled inflatable boats, southern radar systems, and automated identification systems, according to the two sides, thanks to the funds, which are a part of a Japanese regional security assistance program.
Following a meeting between Ambassador Kazuya Endo and Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo, the offer” lead to maintaining and strengthening local protection” and “enhance the security of critical sea lanes.”
The amount announced on Thursday more than doubled the 600 million yen Manila received when the program for Official Security Assistance ( OSA ) started in 2023.
To counter Beijing’s extreme claim of its states in the South China Sea, including places disputed by the two neighbors, the Philippines has been strengthening its maritime safety capabilities and strengthening relationships with allies.
On Thursday, the foreign ministry said the OSA package may increase Manila’s potential” to deter challenges to peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific place”.