Feb 25, 2025, Manila, Philippines – Japan and the Philippines have taken a significant step toward bolstering their defense partnership, with Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro, agreeing to establish a high-level strategic dialogue on defense equipment exports. The decision, announced after a two-hour meeting in Manila on Monday, aims to enhance bilateral security cooperation in response to growing regional challenges, particularly China’s assertive actions in the East and South China Seas.
“We firmly agreed on the necessity of taking defense cooperation and coordination to a higher level,” Nakatani stated during a joint press conference. Both ministers reaffirmed their opposition to any unilateral attempts to alter the regional status quo by force, underscoring the importance of a rules-based international order.
The two nations have been steadily strengthening their defense ties, with Japan exporting air defense radars to the Philippines in 2023. Building on this momentum, the ministers agreed to facilitate visits by Japanese defense officials and industry representatives to assess the Philippines’ defense needs. Discussions are underway for Japan to supply advanced air defense systems and other military equipment.
Beyond defense trade, Nakatani and Teodoro committed to deepening strategic coordination between Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine military. A crucial part of this effort involves exploring mechanisms for sharing sensitive military intelligence while ensuring data security. The ministers also emphasized the importance of broader regional cooperation, pledging to enhance trilateral engagement with the United States and quadrilateral partnerships involving Australia.
Following the ministerial talks, Nakatani met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace, where he reinforced Japan’s commitment to regional stability. “It is vitally important for our security to work with the Philippines, which shares our fundamental values, to ensure peace and stability in the region,” Nakatani told reporters after the meeting.
With tensions in the Indo-Pacific region escalating, Japan and the Philippines’ reinforced alliance signals a clear commitment to safeguarding territorial integrity and upholding international norms. The newly established strategic dialogue is expected to serve as a cornerstone for future cooperation, paving the way for enhanced defense capabilities and a more robust security framework in the region.
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