Japan Speeds Up Used Destroyer Exports to Southeast Asia to Counter China and Boost Security Ties

The Japanese government is accelerating procedures to export used Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers to Southeast Asian countries, the Asahi Shimbun reported on September 3.

This move is interpreted as an effort to keep China in check—as Beijing expands its influence in regions like the South China Sea—and to strengthen security cooperation with key Southeast Asian nations.

According to the newspaper, Japan plans to export Abukuma-class destroyers to the Philippines.

This is expected to mark the first export case since the complete elimination of defense equipment export restrictions last April, which fully permitted the export of lethal weapons.

The Abukuma class consists of compact destroyers that have been in service for about 35 years, and they are evaluated as well-suited for surveillance operations in remote island areas.

Japan is also holding discussions with Indonesia regarding the export of used Asagiri-class destroyers.

Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro plans to visit Indonesia around September 10 to hold talks with Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and discuss the destroyer export issue.

Behind Japan's aggressive push to export used destroyers lies China's maritime expansion, which has caused friction with countries like the Philippines in the South China Sea.

The strategy is to enhance the response capabilities of partner nations' navies while maintaining long-term security cooperative ties by remaining involved in the maintenance and repair processes even after the transfer.

However, numerous challenges remain.

Because the used destroyers are over 30 years old, procuring parts is difficult, and the current Self-Defense Force Law must be revised as it prohibits transferring equipment for free or at exceptionally low prices.

Another obstacle pointed out is the chronic manpower shortage within the Maritime Self-Defense Force, which leaves a shortage of personnel to provide maintenance and operational training to the navies of the recipient countries.

(Photo provided by Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.