Photo credit: PCO

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed optimism on Monday that the ongoing visit of Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen will further deepen the defense cooperation between the two countries amid evolving regional challenges.

With warm words, Marcos welcomed Minister Gen to Malacañan Palace, highlighting the long-standing collaboration between the Philippines and Japan. “I hope that with the many changes that are occurring in our region, that your visit will – we will be able to discuss some of those anticipated changes that we are looking at in view of strengthening our relations between Japan and the Philippines,” he said.

A Growing Partnership

Marcos emphasized that the decades of collaboration between Manila and Tokyo have paved the way for both countries to find “many common grounds” to further strengthen their ties. And Minister Gen agreed. He acknowledged the significant progress in defense and security cooperation under the leadership of President Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

As part of his three-day visit, Minister Gen checked out Basa Air Base and Wallace Air Station, where he saw firsthand the air surveillance radar system transferred by Japan. He also met with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, reinforcing the growing synergy between the two nations.

Japan’s Strong Support for the Philippines

Japan is one of the Philippines’ four Strategic Partners, and their relationship is backed by a whopping 264 bilateral agreements covering defense equipment transfers, infrastructure projects, and Mindanao development. In fact, since 2023, the Philippines has been a key recipient of Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA)—a grant aid cooperation framework aimed at strengthening security cooperation.

This partnership isn’t just about equipment. The Japan Self-Defense Forces also provide education and training opportunities for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), reinforcing military capabilities and strategic collaboration.

PH, Japan, and the Bigger Picture

Beyond bilateral ties, the Philippines and Japan are playing a bigger role in regional defense. They are co-chairing the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Maritime Security for the 2024-2027 cycle, with a special focus on Blue Economy development, climate change mitigation, and marine environmental protection.

The partnership also extends to trilateral engagements. In December 2024, the Philippines, Japan, and the US held the inaugural Trilateral Maritime Dialogue in Tokyo. The discussions focused on strategic maritime issues, and all three countries agreed to enhance ASEAN relations for a more secure and stable region.

Marking Milestones in PH-Japan Relations

This year is a big one for the Philippines and Japan. Come July 23, the two nations will celebrate 69 years of diplomatic relations and 14 years of Strengthened Strategic Partnership since 2011. With defense cooperation at an all-time high, both countries are set to build an even stronger and more secure future together.