Japan expands defense cooperation.

On May 30th in Singapore, on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Japan proposed the possibility of exporting Mogami-class destroyers to New Zealand during a trilateral meeting with New Zealand and Australia.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (center) meets with New Zealand Defense Minister Chris Penk (left) and Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles in Singapore on May 30, on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Regional Security Forum. (Source: Kyodo News)

The discussion involved Japanese Defence Minister Koizumi Shinjiro, New Zealand Defence Minister Chris Penk, and their Australian counterpart Richard Marles. This was the first time the three sides had held a ministerial-level dialogue in this format.

Tokyo has indicated its readiness to hold talks with Wellington on a defense equipment transfer agreement, paving the way for the export of warships to New Zealand.

Japan believes that if New Zealand chooses the Mogami-class destroyer, bilateral defense cooperation will be significantly upgraded, and it will also facilitate increased operational coordination among the three countries.

Meanwhile, Australia has decided to choose a design based on the Mogami class for its next-generation destroyer development program. Tokyo believes that the shared use of a single ship design will enhance compatibility and the effectiveness of force coordination in the region.

The parties also exchanged views on the regional security situation and agreed to strengthen cooperation towards a "free and open" Indo-Pacific region, an initiative promoted by Japan since 2016.

The Japanese side emphasized that expanding exports of defense equipment aims to strengthen deterrence capabilities and contribute to preventing new conflicts in the region.

In addition to the trilateral meeting, Japan and New Zealand also held bilateral discussions, during which Wellington expressed its consideration of selecting the Mogami as part of its plan to replace its aging fleet. A final decision is expected by the end of 2027.

New Zealand affirmed its readiness to strengthen cooperation with partners in the region, considering this a crucial element for a shared security future.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/nhat-ban-mo-rong-hop-tac-quoc-phong-400045.html