TOKYO, July 23 (Bernama) -- The Japanese government is considering offering patrol vessels to the Philippines through its official development assistance, Japan's Jiji Press reported, citing sources as saying on Monday.
Helping the Philippines to improve its maritime security capability would be seen by Japan as a warning to China, which is increasing its maritime presence, the sources said.
The Philippines and China have a territorial dispute over South China Sea islands.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe plans to hold talks with Philippine President Benigno Aquino on Saturday as part of his three-day Southeast Asian tour from Thursday.
Abe is considering telling Aquino directly about Japan's offer of patrol vessels during their meeting, the sources said.
The Japanese government aims to reach an official agreement on the aid programme with the Philippines on the sidelines of a special summit between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Japan in December, they said.
When Aquino visited Japan in September 2011, the two countries agreed to boost their cooperation on maritime security, including a plan to improve the capability of the Philippine Coast Guard.
After an official request from the Philippines, the Japan International Cooperation Agency would conduct field surveys and provide 10 new patrol vessels worth some 15 billion yen (US$150.77 million), the sources said.
Abe and Aquino are also expected to agree to seek peaceful solutions to territorial issues in the South China Sea based on international law, the sources added.
-- BERNAMA
Helping the Philippines to improve its maritime security capability would be seen by Japan as a warning to China, which is increasing its maritime presence, the sources said.
The Philippines and China have a territorial dispute over South China Sea islands.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe plans to hold talks with Philippine President Benigno Aquino on Saturday as part of his three-day Southeast Asian tour from Thursday.
Abe is considering telling Aquino directly about Japan's offer of patrol vessels during their meeting, the sources said.
The Japanese government aims to reach an official agreement on the aid programme with the Philippines on the sidelines of a special summit between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Japan in December, they said.
When Aquino visited Japan in September 2011, the two countries agreed to boost their cooperation on maritime security, including a plan to improve the capability of the Philippine Coast Guard.
After an official request from the Philippines, the Japan International Cooperation Agency would conduct field surveys and provide 10 new patrol vessels worth some 15 billion yen (US$150.77 million), the sources said.
Abe and Aquino are also expected to agree to seek peaceful solutions to territorial issues in the South China Sea based on international law, the sources added.
-- BERNAMA
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