Makati city: Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines, amid an increasingly complex regional security environment.
According to Philippines News Agency, the talks between Koizumi and Teodoro were described as 'productive' and 'substantive'. During the Japan-Philippines Defense Ministers Meeting in Makati City, the two officials discussed expanding collaboration in policy, operations, and defense equipment and technology in a more integrated and comprehensive manner.
Koizumi highlighted Japan's recent revision of its "Three Principles on the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology" and corresponding implementation guidelines. These revisions are expected to bolster Tokyo's contribution to regional and global peace. As a testament to this commitment, Koizumi and Teodoro signed a statement on the further promotion of defense equipment and technology cooperation.
The officials agreed to establish a working group to bring together the policy, operational, and equipment aspects of the defense authorities of both countries. This would pave the way for comprehensive equipment cooperation, including education and training, maintenance and sustainment, operational coordination, information sharing, and proper management of transferred equipment. A key highlight of their discussion was the potential early transfer of Abukuma-class destroyers and TC-90 aircraft to the Philippines.
Koizumi also noted progress in bilateral defense engagement, particularly through the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which came into force in September last year. This agreement enabled Japan to bring in equipment for the ongoing US-Philippines-hosted multilateral exercise "Balikatan" 26, allowing for more advanced training exercises.
The scale and sophistication of "Balikatan" have significantly improved, with the first-ever live-fire training of surface-to-ship missiles by Japan in the Philippines. Participation by the Japan Self-Defense Forces increased from around 140 personnel last year to about 1,400 this year. Japan aims to further strengthen cooperation through the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement signed in January.
Koizumi and Teodoro also expressed their opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. They agreed to expand multilateral cooperation involving Japan, the United States, the Philippines, and Australia.
Both officials emphasized the importance of broader regional cooperation through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. As strategic partners, Japan and the Philippines are committed to ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Teodoro thanked Koizumi for his visit, which coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He affirmed the points raised by Koizumi and expressed gratitude for Japan's assistance during disasters, including technical aid during the recent Navotas landfill fire.
