Japan, PH to boost talks on East, South China Seas

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed a commitment to deepening discussions with the Philippines to counter attempts to alter the status quo in the East and South China Seas.

He emphasized the need for cooperation in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region based on the rule of law.

Both nations should maintain close communication to oppose unilateral changes to the status quo in the East and South China Seas through force or coercion.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to its strategic partnership with Japan, highlighting shared ideals of democratic institutions and a rules-based international order.

The Philippines is the first recipient of Japan's Official Security Assistance (OSA), which has allowed its security agencies, especially the Department of National Defense, to achieve meaningful upgrades.

Both countries have ongoing maritime disputes with China in the South China Sea and East China Sea, respectively.