By Yuki Tatsumi
Closer Japan-Philippines ties effectively complement U.S efforts to expand its regional presence.
President Benigno Aquino of the Philippines visited Japan from June 2-5. During his visit, he attended a dinner hosted by Emperor Akihito, delivered a speech at the Japanese Diet, and met Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his cabinet.
His visit — and what came out of it — was a clear demonstration of the emerging security partnership between Japan and the Philippines. Following the summit, Abe and Aquino issued a joint statement in which they spelled out their shared interest in peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. The two leaders reiterated their shared belief that no country should be allowed to change the status quo by force or coercion. Japan and the Philippines also agreed to start negotiations toward an defense equipment transfer agreement, under which Japan would export defense equipment that will augment the capabilities of the Filipino coast guard.
Japan and the Philippines’ effort to strengthen their security partnership comes as anxiety over China’s increasingly aggressive behavior continues to grow among the countries in the Asia-Pacific region. At the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore between May 29-31, many countries, including the United States and Japan, expressed concern regarding China’s unilateral move to change the status quo in the South China Sea. The evolution of the Japan-Philippines relationship is a part of a trend in which U.S. allies and partners in the Asia-Pacific region — while still regarding a U.S. presence in the region as the anchor for the regional peace and stability — move to forge stronger relationships among themselves. Such renewed ties between Asian countries can amplify the United States’ existing alliances and partnerships in the region.
Read the full story at The Diplomat