Japan "agreed in principle" on Thursday to transfer defence equipment to the Philippines, as the two countries expressed concern over China's islandd-building in disputed waters Following a bilateral meeting in Manila, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Philippine President Benigno Aquino said they hoped to start the transfer soon. Abe added that Japan would "consider" Aquino's request for "large patrol vessels" for the Philippine coast guard.
"We hope to sign this agreement sooner rather than later," Aquino said, referring to the defence deal, during a joint press conference following the talks. The defence equipment transfer was first discussed during Aquino's state visit to Japan in June. Thursday's meeting at the end of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit was the seventh between the two leaders.
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