MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines and Japan are set to strengthen their defense cooperation as tensions in the West Philippine Sea continue to escalate, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Monday during the visit of Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen.

“I hope that with the many changes that are occurring in our region, that your visit will – we will be able to discuss some of those anticipated changes that we are looking at in view of strengthening our relations between Japan and the Philippines,” Marcos told Minister Gen, who paid him a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace.

The President emphasized that the long-standing partnership between Manila and Tokyo has allowed both nations to “find many common grounds” in furthering their strategic ties, particularly in security and defense.

Minister Gen, for his part, highlighted the progress made under the leadership of Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, saying, “I was able to observe with my eyes the air surveillance radar system which was transferred by the Japanese government.”

During his three-day visit, Minister Gen toured Basa Air Base and Wallace Air Station and met with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to discuss ongoing security initiatives.

Strengthening security cooperation

Japan is one of the Philippines’ four Strategic Partners, with 264 bilateral agreements covering defense equipment transfers, infrastructure projects, and Mindanao development. 

The Philippines has been a key recipient of Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA), a grant aid framework aimed at supporting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other security-related organizations.

Through the OSA, Japan has provided defense equipment and training opportunities for AFP personnel, further reinforcing maritime security cooperation between the two nations.

The Philippines and Japan are also co-chairing the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Maritime Security cycle from 2024 to 2027. 

The initiative aims to enhance naval cooperation, particularly in addressing climate change impacts and protecting the marine environment.

Expanding regional cooperation

The growing defense collaboration comes as Manila and Tokyo deepen their involvement in multilateral security initiatives. 

In December 2024, the Philippines, Japan, and the United States launched the inaugural Trilateral Maritime Dialogue in Tokyo, where officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of National Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Security Council, and Philippine Coast Guard discussed regional maritime security challenges.