3-11-2023 (MANILA) Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida embarked on a two-day official visit to the Philippines, with a focus on enhancing defense and security cooperation. The visit comes at a time of increased tension in Philippines-China relations, particularly concerning issues in the South China Sea.
During the visit, Prime Minister Kishida held discussions with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the presidential palace. The agenda covered a range of topics, including concerns related to the South China Sea, where the Philippines and China have experienced several confrontations.
Among the specific issues addressed during their talks were the West Philippine Sea, trade and investment, and Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) contributions. Additionally, both leaders exchanged views on major regional, international, and United Nations issues that impact the region and the world.
It’s worth noting that Japan does not assert any territorial claims over the South China Sea. However, it has its separate maritime dispute with China in the East China Sea, particularly over the Senkaku Islands.
China’s expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea, along with its growing military presence in the region, have raised concerns not only in the Philippines but also among Western nations. To ensure freedom of navigation in the area, the United States has been conducting regular air and naval patrols in the South China Sea.
Before Prime Minister Kishida’s visit, the Japanese defense ministry announced the delivery of the first air surveillance radar system to the Philippine military. This delivery was a part of a contract signed in 2020 between the Philippine defense department and Mitsubishi Electric Corp.
In February, during a meeting in Tokyo, President Marcos and Prime Minister Kishida reached an agreement to promote military cooperation in disaster relief efforts. This cooperation represents a step towards a broader pact that could allow the two nations to deploy forces on each other’s soil, particularly in times of need.
President Marcos expressed his belief that such a troop pact with Japan could enhance maritime security in the Philippines.
The visit’s significance was further emphasized by Prime Minister Kishida’s scheduled speech before the Philippine Congress on Saturday. This visit marks a notable step in strengthening the bilateral relationship between Japan and the Philippines, especially in the realm of defense and security.
The Philippines is among several Southeast Asian nations that have territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea. These ongoing disputes have garnered international attention and led to increased diplomatic efforts to manage regional tensions.
