Japan and the Philippines are set to hold high-level defence talks next month as both countries seek to bolster their ties amid growing confrontations with China. The meeting, scheduled for July 8 in Manila, will see Japanese Defence Minister Minoru Kihara and Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa engage in discussions on bilateral and regional security issues.
This meeting comes on the heels of escalating tensions between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea. China claims nearly all of the contested waterway, and its actions have led to numerous confrontations with Philippine vessels. The recent incident at Second Thomas Shoal, where a Filipino sailor lost a thumb after a Chinese coast guard intervention, has further heightened tensions.
Tokyo and Beijing also have their own territorial disputes in the East China Sea, centred around Japan-controlled islands. To strengthen their defence cooperation, Japan and the Philippines are currently negotiating a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA). This agreement would allow the deployment of troops from both countries on each other’s territory.
During a recent visit to Manila, former Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera, now a ruling-party member of the Japanese parliament, expressed his hope for rapid progress in the RAA negotiations during the upcoming talks. He emphasised the importance of deepening security and defence cooperation between the two countries.
Japan has also been actively assisting the Philippines in its efforts to assert sovereignty in the South China Sea, including the construction of new and larger ships for the Philippine Coast Guard. Tokyo has expressed deep concern over China’s actions, particularly the recent incident at Second Thomas Shoal.
In April, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force participated in joint naval and air drills with the United States, Australia, and the Philippines in the South China Sea. These exercises were seen as a demonstration of the participants’ commitment to regional stability and a free and open Indo-Pacific. The upcoming high-level talks between Japan and the Philippines are expected to be crucial in furthering their defence cooperation and addressing the growing challenges posed by China’s assertiveness in the region.
