On Monday, Japan and the Philippines took meaningful steps to deepen their defense cooperation in response to escalating security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani confirmed the development, emphasizing the urgency of stronger bilateral ties in light of an “increasingly severe” security environment.
Minister Nakatani met with his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro, in Manila for discussions focused on regional security concerns. Key topics included the maritime situation in both the East and South China Seas, areas where tensions have been rising steadily.
“The security environment surrounding us is becoming increasingly severe. Therefore, it is essential for our two countries, as strategic partners, to enhance defense cooperation to preserve peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” Nakatani said through a translator.
As a result of these discussions, Japan and the Philippines agreed to broaden military exchanges, establish a high-level strategic dialogue among their armed forces, and bolster information-sharing initiatives. These measures are part of a broader effort to ensure both countries can effectively respond to the region’s growing security risks.
Over the past two years, security ties between Japan and the Philippines have strengthened significantly. Both countries share concerns over China’s assertive actions, particularly in the contested waters of the South China Sea. This shared apprehension has made closer military collaboration a priority for both governments.
In 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague ruled that China had no legal grounds for its expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea. The court also found that China had violated international law by damaging the marine environment and disrupting Philippine fishing and oil exploration activities. However, Beijing rejected the ruling, declaring it “invalid” and reiterating its claim to the disputed waters.
Recently, tensions have escalated further. Last week, the Philippine Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns accused the Chinese navy of endangering lives after a Chinese helicopter reportedly flew within three meters (approximately 10 feet) of a Philippine surveillance plane carrying journalists over the disputed Scarborough Shoal. China’s military countered by accusing Manila of “hyping and smearing” lawful actions, claiming that the Philippine aircraft had “illegally intruded” into Chinese airspace.
For this reason, Manila and Tokyo have taken steps to solidify their defense relationship. Last year, the two nations signed a landmark military pact, allowing for the deployment of forces on each other’s territories. This agreement marked a significant milestone in their growing security partnership, particularly as they face increasing friction with China.
Japan and China have long been at odds over the Senkaku Islands, which are controlled by Japan but claimed by Beijing as the Diaoyu Islands. Likewise, the Philippines and China have frequently clashed over disputed shoals and atolls in the South China Sea, within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
In a show of support, Nakatani visited military bases in the northern Philippines on Sunday, including a naval station housing a coastal radar system that Japan had donated as part of its 600 million yen ($4 million) security assistance in 2023. This assistance is part of Japan’s broader initiative to enhance the deterrence capabilities of its partner nations.
The Philippines has been one of the first recipients of Japan’s official security aid, designed to bolster regional defense readiness. In December, both nations signed a second security agreement, under which Japan pledged to supply the Philippine Navy with rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) and additional coastal radar systems.