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| Kawasaki P-1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft |
TOKYO -- Japan and Thailand are looking into a deal that would essentially make them limited defense partners.
Tokyo is considering a contract that would allow transfers of defense equipment to Thailand and call for technological cooperation with the country, people familiar with the matter said Thursday.
Thailand is interested in the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force's P-1 patrol aircraft and US-2 large amphibious rescue aircraft.
Japan wants to get between Beijing and Thailand's military government, and the cooperation deal could serve as an effective wedge.
Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani on Tuesday will meet Prawit Wongsuwan, Thailand's deputy prime minister and defense minister, in Bangkok to discuss the defense equipment deal.
Read the full story at Nikkei