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Japan and the Philippines will hold high-level defence talks next month to strengthen their ties in the face of escalating tensions with China in the South China Sea. The talks will focus on bilateral and regional security issues, including a potential Reciprocal Access Agreement that would allow troops from both countries to be deployed on each other’s territory. Japan has expressed concern over China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, including a recent incident where a Filipino sailor was injured during a confrontation with Chinese coast guard vessels.

Britain’s Defence Secretary has called on Western nations to follow the UK’s lead by spending billions to make sure they are ready for war. Grant Shapps said the costs of war would be unimaginable and called for Nato members to match a new pledge to invest at least 2.5 percent of national income on the military. The UK has set an example by increasing its defence spending to 2.5 percent by 2030, and Mr Shapps said other Nato countries should now ‘step up’ and do the same. He said: “Together we can create a safer, stronger alliance. The minimum spend must be raised to 2.5 percent.”