By Karen Lema
MANILA (Reuters) – Japanese Prime Minister emphasized the cooperation among Japan, the Philippines, and the United States to safeguard the freedom of the South China Sea while committing to enhancing Manila’s security capabilities.
“Trilateral cooperation is underway to protect the freedom of the sea in the South China Sea,” said Kishida during his official visit and address before the Philippine congress in Manila.
During his visit, Kishida and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr agreed to initiate negotiations on a mutual troop access agreement, aiming to strengthen military cooperation in response to China’s increasingly assertive actions in the region.
The Philippines and Japan, the United States’ close allies in Asia, have taken a firm stance against what they perceive as aggressive behavior by Chinese vessels in long-standing disputes over maritime sovereignty.
China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including portions of the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China’s claims had no legal basis.
“Japan will continue contributing to the enhancement of the Philippines’ security capabilities, thereby promoting regional peace and stability,” stated Kishida.
In March, Japan observed U.S.-Philippine military drills, and in June, the Philippine and Japanese coast guards conducted joint training for the first time.
“Through these efforts, let us uphold the maritime order governed by laws and rules rather than force,” added Kishida, who unveiled Japan’s largest military expansion in December to counter China’s growing military strength.
Although Japan does not have any territorial claims in the South China Sea, it has a maritime dispute with China in the East China Sea.
Kishida announced that Japan has agreed to provide coastal surveillance radars to the Philippines, marking the world’s first cooperation project under Japan’s Official Security Assistance program, which aims to enhance the deterrence capabilities of Tokyo’s partner countries.
“Japan intends to further strengthen strategic cooperation with the Philippines in the future,” stated Kishida, who is set to visit the Philippine Coast Guard before departing Manila.
Kishida described the relationship between Japan and the Philippines as entering a “golden age.”
Last month, China and the Philippines exchanged accusations following a collision in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, as Chinese vessels obstructed Philippine supply boats to the area.
(Reporting by Karen Lema in Manila; Editing by William Mallard and Michael Perry)
