The governments of Japan and the Philippines have committed to strengthening their security alliance during a summit held in Manila. The collaboration, aimed at enhancing intelligence sharing, arises from ongoing territorial tensions with China.
Strengthening Defense Cooperation
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, on his inaugural visit to the Philippines since taking office, emphasized the shared repudiation of forced alterations to the status quo in both the East China Sea and the South China Sea. This stance reflects concerns over China’s assertive territorial claims.
Both nations have previously endorsed a visiting forces agreement, enabling the deployment of military personnel on each other’s territory, as sanctioned by the Philippine Senate. “We have agreed to initiate discussions on an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement,” Prime Minister Ishiba announced following his engagement with President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines.
Future Security Agreements
Ishiba highlighted the initiation of bilateral talks geared towards establishing a comprehensive security information agreement. During the meeting, President Marcos lauded the expansion of security cooperation, attributing significant advancements in the country’s defense capabilities to Japanese aid.
Regional Disputes and Collaborative Efforts
China’s expansive claims over the South China Sea, despite a ruling to the contrary by an international tribunal, have generated frequent disputes with the Philippines’ maritime security forces. Japan, a critical supporter in upgrading the Philippines’ maritime defense infrastructure, faces its own territorial contention with China regarding uninhabited islands in the East China Sea, namely the Senkaku Islands, controlled by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing.
The converging interests of Japan and the Philippines in countering China’s maritime claims have fortified their alliance, alongside the United States. Both leaders have reiterated the significance of trilateral cooperation with the U.S., a sentiment echoed after the historic summit in Washington with then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Economic Considerations
Discussions at the summit also addressed economic impacts stemming from U.S. trade policies, notably the implications of tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump’s administration. Despite a reciprocal 17% tariff burden, the Philippines has been minimally affected regionally, suggesting potential economic openings.
Philippine Trade Secretary Cristina Roque is slated for discussions in the U.S. to primarily address these trade challenges.
