PH, Japan to enhance defense relations ‘sooner rather than later’

President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III welcomed Japan Prime Minister Shinzō Abe for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. (Photo from APEC 2015 PH)

MANILA – Amid China’s aggressive reclamation in the South China Sea, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed mutual interest in enhancing the Philippines and Japan’s defense relations that they hope to seal ‘sooner rather than later.’

Aquino and Abe had a bilateral meeting during this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit held in Manila. During the discussions, the Prime Minister pledged to transfer defense equipments to the Philippine Military.

“We have taken a significant step forward in enhancing our defense and security relations by agreeing in principle on the transfer of defense equipment and technology,” Aquino said in his speech after the meeting.

Both leaders considered signing a visiting forces agreement that would make the transfer of military hardware and technology between the two countries faster and more efficient. But with the lengthy legal procedures required for the said agreement, defense officials disclosed that the deal may not be signed within the President’s term.

Aquino and his Japanese counterpart also expressed concerns over China’s occupation on several reefs in the disputed waters and called for unity among neighboring countries.

“We shared these concerns over unilateral actions to change the status quo such as the large scale land reclamation and building of outpost in the South China Sea. At the same time, we confirm the importance of partnership in the global community based on the rule of law to protect open, free and peaceful seas,” Abe said in his speech, adding that he supported the Philippines’ move to bring the matter to the international court.

Aquino, however, did not directly challenge China’s advancements in his speech. Instead, he issued general statements on ‘security challenges’ he and the Prime Minister tackled.

“With the understanding that the progress of Japan, the Philippines and all other nations in the region are founded on peace and stability, we likewise took the opportunity to discuss the security challenges that confront both our nations, and pledged to cooperate in advancing our shared advocacy for members of the international community to act responsibly,” the President said.