By Brian Campued
The Philippines and Japan formally elevated their relations from Strengthened Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the highest tier in Manila’s diplomatic framework and a first for the country, during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s state visit in Tokyo on Thursday.
Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two nations, the upgrade of the Philippines-Japan ties marks deeper cooperation amid evolving regional and global geopolitical and economic challenges.
“This milestone reflects the strength, depth, and breadth of our ties as we respond to the evolving challenges and opportunities of our time,” President Marcos Jr. said in a joint press conference with Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae at the Akasaka State Guest House in Tokyo.
Prime Minister Takaichi, for her part, described the Philippines as one of Japan’s “closest like-minded countries” and said that such elevation of diplomatic ties reflects their shared resolve to deepen cooperation amid global uncertainties.
“This demonstrates the determination of our two countries to strengthen multi-layered relations as like-minded countries sustainably going forward without being affected by changes in the international environment,” she said.
Prior to the joint press conference, Marcos and Takaichi held a summit meeting wherein discussions focused on expanding cooperation in key areas, including economic partnership, energy resilience, decarbonization, defense and security, maritime cooperation, including artificial intelligence and other emerging future-oriented industries.
The two leaders also exchanged views on various regional and global issues, such as challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and the impact of the Middle East crisis on energy security.
They likewise discussed expanding collaboration in infrastructure, higher education, disaster resilience, space cooperation, and Japan’s continued support for the Mindanao peace process.
New agreements signed
Marcos Jr. and Takaichi also witnessed the signing of a landmark tax agreement and several new partnerships covering agriculture, health, and human resource development.
The agreement on double taxation convention, Marcos said, will “enhance the business environment and promote greater cross-border investment” between the Philippines and Japan.
In a press release, the Department of Finance (DOF) said the signed renegotiated Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income eliminates the risk of double taxation on income earned across both jurisdictions, thereby reducing the cost of doing business and improving tax predictability for individuals and enterprises alike.
By streamlining cross-border tax treatment, the DOF said the agreement is expected to create a more stable and efficient environment for trade and investment between the Philippines and Japan.
It also introduces updated provisions on withholding taxes on dividends, interest, and royalties to encourage greater investment into the Philippine economy.
Further, other new agreements were also forged aimed at expanding cooperation in the agricultural and fisheries sector, improving equitable access to quality health services, and continuing partnership in human resource development.
The Philippines and Japan also agreed to advance cooperation in artificial intelligence, space development and applications, energy security, and supply chain resilience.
President Marcos added that both countries have also agreed to initiate formal negotiations for a General Security of Military Information Agreement as well as discussions on the delimitation of maritime boundaries.
“These are very important steps to further strengthen our defense cooperation and to uphold a rules-based maritime order. They will enhance the mutual trust between our two countries,” he said.
“These substantive discussions with the Prime Minister have demonstrated the vigor with which the Philippines-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will proceed, built on a foundation of friendship and shared values for peace, diplomacy, and adherence to international law.”
Prime Minister Takaichi, meanwhile, assured Marcos of Japan’s continued support for the Philippines as it aims to become an upper-middle-income economy.
“We also concurred to further deepen economic cooperation between Japan and the Philippines and Japan and ASEAN, including economic cooperation in the entire Asian region and improving supply chain resilience,” she said.
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