November 30, 2025

Japan’s Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile has again come under the spotlight, with Japan’s Kyodo News on Sunday reporting that Tokyo is holding informal consultations with the Philippines over the missile’s export. Amid Japan’s consecutive military expansion gestures and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan, a Chinese expert slammed the move as another breakaway from Japan’s pacifist constitution that could undermine regional peace and stability.

Kyodo News reported that the Japanese government is holding informal consultations with the Philippines regarding the export of the Japan Self-Defense Forces' Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile.

Citing multiple sources, Kyodo News reported that the Takaichi administration plans to abolish the current regulations that restrict defense equipment exports to five non-combat-related categories as early as the first half of next year. Following the formal decision, concrete deliberations for the export will commence promptly.

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