TOKYO (AP) — Japan and the Philippines on Thursday agreed to strengthen their defense cooperation by accelerating talks on Japanese weapons sales and intelligence sharing at a time of fears over China’s military activity in Asia.The two countries also upgraded their ties to the highest-tier diplomatic framework of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, meaning that they will cooperate on a broader range of areas, not just on a strategic priorities. Japan treated Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with highest levels of hospitality, including a meeting with Emperor Naruhito, a palace banquet and one of Japan’s most prestigious decorations, the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, on Wednesday.The message was clear: Japan sees the Philippines as a key defense partner and major arms customer in a region where tensions are rising.
Marcos, at a joint news conference after Thursday’s talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, called the partnership upgrade a “milestone” and that it “will be built on a foundation of friendship and shared values for peace, diplomacy and adherence to international law.”Both nations have China firmly in mind as they tighten a military relationship that the United States hopes will act as a bulwark against Beijing’s ambitions in the East and South China Seas and its designs on Taiwan, the self-governing island China claims as its own.
