Manila [Philippines], January 21: The Philippine Coast Guard is increasingly turning to Japan in an effort to increase its presence in the South China Sea, NHK reported on January 21.
Philippine Coast Guard Commander Vice Admiral Artemio Abu said on January 20 that Manila would ask Tokyo to assist in the purchase of at least five large patrol boats from Japan. Mr. Abu added that the plan to buy five new ships would include support for the construction of a new headquarters, with a dedicated jetty for the five new patrol boats.
Vice Admiral Abu revealed the plan to reporters after a meeting with Japan International Cooperation Agency President Tanaka Akihiko.
The Philippine Coast Guard has received 12 Japanese patrol boats to counter China's increasingly aggressive activities in the region, according to NHK.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to visit Japan for the first time next month and the two sides will discuss measures to strengthen cooperation.
Source: ThanhNien Newspaper
