Japan Breaks Post-War Taboo: Fires Missiles in Philippines, Deepens Defense Ties Amid China Tensions

Japan's Self-Defense Forces fired Type 88 anti-ship missiles in the Philippines for the first time during major joint military exercises with the US, Australia, and the Philippines, marking a historic shift from Japan's post-WWII pacifist stance.

The drills included live-fire exercises that sank a decommissioned warship, signaling Japan's growing willingness to take on a combat role in regional security. These actions come as Japan and the Philippines move to deepen defense cooperation, including talks on transferring Japanese destroyers and military equipment to Manila. China has strongly condemned Japan's actions, accusing Tokyo of accelerating remilitarization and threatening regional stability.

The exercises and defense agreements reflect rising alarm over China's assertive activities in the South China Sea and a broader realignment of security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.