Philippines and Japan meet to Discuss Defense Cooperation

The Philippines recently held a 2-plus-2 meeting with Japan amongst their respective foreign and defense chiefs at the Foreign Ministry’s Iikura Guest House in Tokyo.

As China continues to push for its maritime expansion, the two sides agreed to strengthen their security cooperation to achieve a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”

The meeting was attended by Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin, and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

“Cooperation between Japan and the Philippines, both maritime nations, is becoming increasingly important,” Hayashi said, as he noted China’s attempts to unilaterally change the status quo in the East and the South China Sea.

The meeting between the Philippines and Japan concluded that the two countries must ensure the safety of sea lanes in Southeast Asia and discuss expanding joint military drills and exchanges.

Furthermore, a contract was signed for Mitsubishi Electric Corp. to export air defense radar technology to the Philippines, with the delivery of these goods scheduled for 2023. As the two sides agree to work together, additional cooperation over defense equipment and technology is to be expected. The meeting also included discussions on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the possible implementations this may have.

The Philippines is the ninth country to meet with Japan in a 2-plus-2 meeting, with Indonesia being the other country among the members of the ASEAN.

Last 2016, an international tribunal was held at The Hague, where China’s claims in the South China Sea were deemed invalid. However, Beijing has adamantly refused to respect this decision.

In the meeting, “we were able to confirm our will to further enhance our collaboration in dealing with regional and global challenges and our cooperation towards the realization of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific”, Hayashi said.

Source: Inquirer, Business Recorder