Japan Fires Missile in Joint Drill With US, Allies

Japan’s Self-Defense Forces fired a Type 88 anti-ship missile during a joint maritime exercise with U.S., Australian, and Philippine forces on Wednesday, hitting a decommissioned Philippine Navy ship in waters facing the South China Sea. The drill took place as Manila and Tokyo began talks on a potential defense equipment transfer made possible by Japan’s decision to scrap restrictions on military exports. Discussions include the possible early transfer of Abukuma class destroyers and TC-90 aircraft to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, ?Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Koizumi witnessed the live missile firing…