30-4-2025 (MANILA) Japan and the Philippines have embarked upon a significant strengthening of bilateral ties, marking what Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. characterised as a “golden age” in their relationship.
During talks at Manila’s Malacanang Palace, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and President Marcos agreed to initiate crucial discussions on intelligence sharing protocols, alongside negotiations for acquisition and cross-servicing arrangements. These developments underscore Tokyo’s evolving strategic partnership with Manila, which Ishiba notably described as approaching alliance status.
The diplomatic momentum builds upon an existing framework that facilitates military exchanges between Japan’s Self-Defence Forces and Philippine armed services. Notably, Japanese diplomatic sources indicate particular interest in leveraging potential intelligence-sharing mechanisms to monitor vessel movements in regional waters, with specific attention to Chinese maritime activities.
The summit yielded firm commitments to resist forceful alterations to the status quo in both the East and South China Seas, whilst emphasising the significance of trilateral cooperation with the United States. Both leaders expressed their dedication to fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific region, addressing concerns about ongoing global trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.
In a poignant humanitarian gesture, Ishiba held separate discussions with Japanese-Filipino individuals who have faced statelessness since World War II. These individuals, born to Japanese fathers and Filipino mothers, were unable to claim their Japanese heritage due to post-war anti-Japanese sentiment. The Prime Minister pledged enhanced governmental support to facilitate their acquisition of Japanese nationality and enable temporary returns to Japan, expressing deep regret over their prolonged stateless status.
The comprehensive dialogue also explored broader economic implications of US-China trade frictions, with Ishiba indicating Japan’s commitment to seeking measured solutions to American tariff policies whilst considering Philippine perspectives.
