Kamikawa called the signing of the defense agreement a “landmark achievement” that ought to further strengthen defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines. “A free and open international order based on the rule of law is the foundation for regional peace and prosperity,” she said. “We would like to work closely with your country to maintain and strengthen this state.”
Kamikawa and Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara are in Manila, where they’ll hold talks with their Filipino counterparts on ways to further strengthen bilateral ties, the Philippine government said in an announcement.
Many of Japan’s Asian neighbors, including the Philippines, got here under Japanese aggression until its defeat in World War II, and Japan’s efforts to strengthen its military role and spending generally is a delicate issue. Japan and the Philippines, nonetheless, have steadily deepened defense and security ties.
China has accused the Philippines of inciting the violence, saying the Filipino sailors, despite warnings, went astray and entered what China considers Chinese territorial waters.
Japan and the United States were among the many first to precise concern over China’s actions and urged Beijing to respect international law. Washington reiterated its warning that it’s obligated to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Philippine forces, ships or aircraft are targeted by armed attack, including within the South China Sea.
