Beijing: China has leveled accusations against Japan, claiming that the latter is causing disruptions in the South China Sea by providing naval ships to the Philippines. The Chinese Defense Ministry, through spokesperson Jiang Bin, expressed concerns over Japan's actions, asserting that these efforts are intended to form alliances that could destabilize the Asia-Pacific region.

According to Anadolu Agency, Jiang Bin criticized Japan's ongoing export of weapons and military equipment to other nations, specifically highlighting the plan to supply the Philippines with six used Abukuma-class navy destroyers. Jiang emphasized that such defense and security collaborations should not undermine the interests of other nations. He further alluded to Japan's historical military actions during World War II, which included aggression and colonial rule over neighboring countries, including China and the Philippines, leading to significant historical burdens.

The Philippines, on the other hand, has acknowledged Japan's transfer of naval ships as part of its strategy to enhance its defensive and responsive capabilities. The two countries have recently solidified their defense relationship by signing a new pact that permits Japanese troops to engage in joint military exercises on Philippine soil, marking a significant development in their bilateral military cooperation.