Leilani Chavez
Leilani Chavez is an Asia correspondent for Defense News. Her reporting expertise is in East Asian politics, development projects, environmental issues and security.
All Stories By Leilani
Japanese destroyer can now fire Tomahawk missiles, extending nation’s combat punch
Japan’s Tomahawk orders are unlikely to be affected immediately, but longer military campaigns in the Middle East could cause setbacks, one analyst said.
Japan sprinkles fresh missiles across its islands to fend off would-be attackers
Japan’s standoff capability buildup includes deploying homegrown missiles and acquiring Tomahawk cruise missiles to be launched from Aegis destroyers.
Chinese corvette recently trained its weapons on Philippine frigate, officials confirm
The incident at sea in early March is the latest in a string of Chinese actions aimed at tempting sailors to lose their cool, Philippine officials said.
Japan shrugs off GCAP delays, fast-tracks export rules for future warplane
Reports indicate that costs have tripled, but it’s unclear if the Japanese government under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi would augment this year’s budget.
Philippines still eying F-16s, but costs are causing political headaches
A deal for new fighter jets is in limbo while officials in Manila seek ways to break the fiscal deadlock that has hounded the program.
Japan decries Chinese export restrictions that could cripple defenses
China did not stipulate covered items, but experts believe the restrictions could affect rare earth minerals, a potential Achilles' heel for Japan.
Philippine Navy scrambles to shield vital undersea cables from spies
Numerous submarine cables crisscross the Philippines’ underwater domain, connecting Southeast Asia to the United States, India and Hong Kong.
Philippines tests new battle plan for fending off invaders alone
In the event of a war, officials believe local forces must hold out for at least a month before reinforcements from allies arrive.
