By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
Visiting Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru on Tuesday called for continued coordination between Japan and the Philippines to counter coercive tactics in the East and South China Seas, as he reaffirmed Tokyo’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific anchored on international law.
In a statement delivered after a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Malacañan Palace in Manila, Ishiba underscored the need for both countries to stand firm against actions that aim to alter the status quo.
“I hope that our two nations can continuously communicate with each other to oppose attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas by force or coercion and to realize free and open Indo-Pacific based on Rule of Law,” Ishiba said.
The statement comes amid maritime tensions involving China in both regions.
In the South China Sea, Chinese vessels have become increasingly aggressive in asserting Beijing’s ambitious territorial claims, which overlap with the West Philippine Sea that lies well within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
Meanwhile, in the East China Sea, Japan continues to face pressure over the Senkaku Islands, which are also claimed by China.
Both Japan and the Philippines are treaty allies of the United States and have stepped up defense cooperation in recent years.
In July, the two countries signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement, allowing Japanese and Filipino forces to conduct joint military exercises and training on each other’s soil.
The two leaders also announced the start of negotiations on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement that would allow the exchange of logistical support in a bid to deepen security and defense cooperation.
Meanwhile, Marcos highlighted the shared values and long-term cooperation between the two nations.
“With strategic focus, my discussions with Prime Minister Ishiba today have indeed laid the groundwork for that resonant and inspiring future across many, many sectors, so that our two peoples see meaningful outcomes in their everyday lives and in the lives of their families,” Marcos said.
“I look forward to continuing our strengthened strategic partnership with Japan, a country that shares our ideals and aspirations of upholding democratic institutions and a rules-based international order,” he added.
