Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is in the process of planning a trip to Southeast Asia, specifically to the Philippines and Indonesia, in early May. The discussions during this visit are expected to focus on the expansion of security cooperation and the export of defense equipment. During the visit, he is likely to meet with Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto.

In preparation for these discussions, the Japanese government is making moves to revise its defense export principles. This includes the lifting of the restrictions that limit weapon exports to five specific purposes, such as reconnaissance and rescue operations. Koizumi's visit aims to facilitate the export of Japanese defense equipment, particularly to countries like the Philippines, which is in urgent need of enhancing its naval capabilities, given its ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea with China.

Cooperation discussions with the Philippines may include the potential export of used Japanese "Abukuma" class escort ships, for which the Philippines has already expressed interest. Similarly, Indonesia is also showing interest in acquiring used submarines. Additionally, in mid-April, Koizumi plans to visit Melbourne, Australia, to meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Richard Marles to discuss the capabilities of Japan's "Mogami" class escort ships in relation to Australia's naval modernization plans. This visit underscores Japan's commitment to deepening defense ties in the region amidst increasing security tensions.