April 26 (Asia Today) -- Japan is considering transferring decommissioned naval vessels, including destroyers and submarines, to Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia, either free of charge or at low cost, according to a media report Sunday.
The plan would repurpose equipment that would otherwise be stored or dismantled, using it to strengthen the naval capabilities of frontline states countering China's maritime expansion. As Beijing increases its activities in the South China Sea and East China Sea, Tokyo appears to be widening its regional security network by leveraging retired assets.
Japan is reviewing revisions to its legal framework to allow such transfers. According to Yomiuri Shimbun, the government is considering amending the Self-Defense Forces Law to permit the transfer of weapons with lethal capabilities at little or no cost under special provisions.
The Japanese government plans to include the initiative in its updated national security strategy and related defense documents later this year, with the goal of submitting legal revisions to parliament next year. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is expected to visit the Philippines and Indonesia during Japan's early May holiday period to discuss exports of used equipment.
