TOKYO, May 28 – Officials from Japan and the Philippines announced Thursday their intention to negotiate a classified information sharing agreement that would facilitate increased military equipment transfers from Tokyo to Manila, potentially including warships.
The two nations have been strengthening their defense and security relationship as they respond to China’s increasing assertiveness throughout the South China Sea region and near Taiwan. Japan has recently eliminated long-standing limitations on combat equipment exports, a policy shift that is expected to benefit the Philippines.
“In order to respond to the increasingly severe strategic environment in the region, we will continue to deepen cooperation with the Philippines,” Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated during a press conference in Tokyo alongside Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The leaders agreed to upgrade their relationship to a “Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership.”
Under a new defense equipment cooperation framework, Japan is exploring the possibility of supplying naval destroyers and patrol aircraft to Manila.
The closer relationship with Japan aligns with Marcos’ efforts to strengthen security partnerships with the United States and its allies as the Philippines faces ongoing confrontations with Chinese vessels in contested waters.
Takaichi and Marcos also reached an agreement on energy security cooperation, including an initiative by Takaichi to assist Asian nations in better managing energy disruptions following the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
