Several unnamed informants have recently divulged Japan's plan to pass on at least three of its reconnaissance airplanes to the Philippines. The planes will most likely be used in patrolling the South China Sea.

According to Reuters, the Japanese planes will most likely be the Beechcraft TC-90 King Air, which is capable of tracking down air and surface vessels.

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People with knowledge of the matter said the proposed handover is still in its initial stages and certain judicial matters are yet to be settled. Manila actually wants to procure the Lockheed Martin P3-C airplanes, which is capable of detecting the presence of submarines.

However, no Philippine government official would confirm or even acknowledge Japan's plan to give the three second-hand planes. Even so, many high ranking Filipino military officials would be grateful if the Japanese patrol planes donation materializes.

A Japanese informant, who does not want to divulge his identity, explained that the purpose of the donation is to help Manila augment its limited number of reconnaissance planes assigned to the disputed territory.

Japanese government officials have publicly expressed concerns over China's land building project in the disputed shoals and islets. But Beijing has defended the ongoing construction and said that the structures will be used for peaceful and civilian purposes. China admits, however, that the reclaimed lands will have a military component as well.

Intelligence reports indicate that an airfield in one of the Chinese-held islands is nearing completion.

Japan's proposed donation of military hardware to the Philippines is quite modest, but it is more than enough to strain its relationship with China even further.

The Philippines is just one of the countries that have territorial claims in the South China Sea. China has laid claim to a large portion of the area. Countries with claims to parts of the sea include Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and Taiwan. 

If the Japanese patrol planes are handed over to Manila, it could pave the way for Tokyo to make similar donations or even sales to other countries in the Asia Pacific region.

Both Tokyo and Manila are strengthening their military alliance. An agreement is also underway that will grant Japanese military vessels access to Philippine ports.

Washington is encouraging the growing military cooperation between its two allies amidst rising tensions over territorial disputes in the region.

TagsJapanese patrol planes, lockheed martin p3-c, beechcraft tc-90 king air, west philippine sea, spratly isands, China-Japan Dispute, philippine-china dispute, philippine military