Japan expands defense ties with Phl

Japan has pledged to strengthen its defense cooperation with the Philippines through the transfer of military equipment and technology.

The commitment was made following the summit meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on Thursday.

In a joint statement, the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation on the transfer of defense equipment. These include destroyers, TC-90 aircraft and radar systems.

The initiative falls under the Agreement concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) program.

Takaichi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to help enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), especially in the maritime sector.

Marcos and Takaichi also vowed to deepen defense cooperation to support industrial development, improve supply chain resilience and strengthen long-term defense readiness.

The Philippines welcomed Japan’s revised Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and its implementation guidelines.

The two leaders said closer coordination between their defense authorities in recent years has created “a robust foundation for their bilateral partnership.”

They also agreed to hold the next Philippines-Japan “2+2” Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting at the soonest possible time.

On maritime cooperation, the two leaders stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between the two countries, which they described as “neighbors connected by the sea.”

They said respect for international law is essential in promoting peace, stability and mutual trust in the region.

Marcos also thanked Japan for helping improve the capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard through the provision of patrol ships.

The Philippines and Japan also committed to expand exchanges between their maritime law enforcement agencies. This includes joint training and capacity-building activities to promote maritime safety and uphold the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region.

The two leaders also emphasized the need to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight, lawful use of the seas and the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

They expressed “serious concern” over developments in the East China Sea and South China Sea.

At the same time, they reiterated their “strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the peacefully established status quo by force or coercion.”

Marcos and Takaichi also reaffirmed their support for the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.

“The two leaders reiterated their support for the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, which is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute,” the joint statement read.

“Noting that 10 years have passed since the issuance of the Award, the two leaders reaffirmed the importance of international law and compliance of the parties to the dispute with decisions and rulings duly-rendered through compulsory dispute settlement mechanisms under UNCLOS.”

The two leaders also cited the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and resolving cross-Strait issues through peaceful dialogue.