Tokyo, July 15 -- In a classic display of authoritarian double standards, China has launched an aggressive diplomatic protest against Japan's potential transfer of second-hand Abukuma-class destroyers to the Philippines, a move aimed at bolstering regional deterrence in the face of Beijing's continued maritime bullying, The Eurasian Times reported.

According to The Eurasian Times, Japan has invited the Philippine Navy to conduct a joint inspection of the 109-metre-long destroyer escorts, which are expected to be decommissioned by 2027. The exploratory talks mark a significant shift in Japan's defence posture and its deepening security ties with Manila, a long-time victim of China's relentless aggression in the South China Sea.

The prosp...