Japan and the Philippines have agreed to sharply boost their defense ties, as the two countries seek to strengthen their security amid rising challenges in the region.
During a meeting in Manila on Thursday, Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi and his Philippine counterpart, Delfin Lorenzana, agreed to cooperate on various defense-related initiatives, including maritime security, disaster response, and counterterrorism.
The two countries also expressed their commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, a disputed waterway where China’s territorial claims have increasingly clashed with those of its neighbors.
The agreement between Japan and the Philippines comes amid heightened tensions in the region, particularly over China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea and its growing military presence.
Japan has been expanding its defense cooperation with other countries in the region, including Australia, India, and the United States, in response to China’s increasing military power.
Meanwhile, the Philippines has been seeking to modernize its armed forces and build up its defense capabilities. The country has recently acquired new fighter jets and other military equipment from countries such as the United States and South Korea.
The defense ties between Japan and the Philippines are expected to deepen in the coming years, as both countries seek to address the security challenges posed by China’s actions in the region.
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