Japan, Philippines open talks on military intelligence-sharing agreement

Japan and the Philippines have agreed to begin talks on a framework for sharing classified information, paving the way for Tokyo to expand transfers of military equipment to Manila, including warships, Reuters reports.

Tokyo and Manila have been steadily upgrading defence and security ties in response to China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. Japan has recently scrapped longstanding restrictions on exports of combat equipment, a move expected to benefit the Philippines.

“In order to respond to the increasingly severe strategic environment in the region, we will continue to deepen cooperation with the Philippines,” Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said during a press announcement in Tokyo alongside Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a “Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership.”

Japan is reportedly considering supplying naval destroyers and patrol aircraft to the Philippines under a new defence equipment cooperation framework.

For President Marcos, closer alignment with Japan is part of a broader strategy to strengthen security partnerships with the United States and its allies, as the Philippines faces repeated confrontations with Chinese vessels in disputed waters.

Takaichi and Marcos also agreed to cooperate on energy security, including an initiative led by Takaichi aimed at helping Asian countries better manage energy shocks following the US-Israeli war on Iran.

By Vafa Guliyeva