Japan’s Defense Minister emphasized the growing need for stronger security ties with the Philippines, citing an increasingly volatile security landscape. His remarks followed a high-level meeting with his Philippine counterpart in Manila on Monday.
During his two-day visit, which included an inspection of Philippine air bases, Defense Secretary Gen Nakatani reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to enhancing military cooperation.
“Secretary (Gilberto) Teodoro Jr. and I strongly agreed that the security environment surrounding us is becoming more severe, making it essential to deepen our defense collaboration,” Nakatani stated.
He also announced plans for a “strategic dialogue between high-level operational officers” to enhance coordination between the two countries.
This visit builds on security commitments made during a foreign ministers’ meeting in January, where Japan and the Philippines pledged to counter China’s assertive actions in vital maritime trade routes, including the contested South China Sea.
Philippine Defense Chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr. echoed Japan’s stance, stating that both nations share a “common cause of resisting any unilateral attempt to reshape international law by force.”
Tensions have escalated in the South China Sea, where China has deployed navy and coast guard vessels to block Philippine access to key reefs and islands. Recent incidents include:
- In December, a Chinese coast guard vessel allegedly used a water cannon and “sideswiped” a Philippine government fisheries department ship.
- Last week, a Chinese navy helicopter reportedly came “within 10 feet” (three meters) of a Philippine surveillance plane carrying journalists over Scarborough Shoal.
Japan plays a crucial role in supporting the Philippines’ maritime security, providing financial assistance for modernizing patrol craft and upgrading maritime surveillance systems, including radar installations.
China continues to assert its claim over nearly the entire South China Sea, despite an international tribunal ruling invalidating its territorial claims. Meanwhile, Japan faces its own maritime dispute with China over the uninhabited Diaoyu (Senkaku) Islands in the East China Sea.
As longstanding U.S. allies, both Japan and the Philippines are integral to Washington’s broader efforts to strengthen Pacific alliances in response to China’s territorial ambitions.
In a significant development, the Philippine Senate recently ratified a defense agreement allowing Japan and the Philippines to deploy troops to each other’s territory. The agreement, which still awaits approval in Tokyo, will also facilitate expanded joint combat exercises.
