Priyanka Tiwari
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News Manila: Japan and Philippines have reached an agreement which will enable the Japanese defense forces and the Philippines defense forces to conduct strategic dialogues. This was made sensible by the security challenges posed by China on the Indo-Pacific region. Japanese Defense Minister General Nakatani and his counterpart from the Philippines, Gilberto Teodoro, met on Monday concerning this. They also came to an understanding to establish a framework that will enhance the cooperation in the provision of defense equipment and technology.
Nakatani said, “With the evolving security environment, we have agreed on the need to take defence cooperation to a higher level.” The two nations have also resolved to deepen and enhance relations with other allied nations led by the United States and Australia following the increasing aggression of the Chinese military within the regional waters as well as Beijing’s expansionist policies.
Tension in China-Philippines Relations
In recent times, the relations between Japan and China have worsened as a result of disputes related to Senkaku Islands and other regions. And on the other side, the Chinese military aggressiveness in South China has increased substantially which in turn has heightened the tensions of China-Philippines relations.
What is the root cause of the Disagreement?
Disputes with China are most pronounced especially regarding Scarborough Shoal and the Spratly Island conflict in the South China Sea. The Philippines Coast Guard, for example, condemned the flight of a Chinese navy helicopter that came within ten feet of a surveillance plane that a group of journalists was onboard of during the skirmish in Scarborough Shoal.
Opposition from the Philippines
During the discussion in December in Tokyo between the US, Philippines, and Japan as part of the US trilateral maritime dialogue, the leaders reiterated the commitment of the three nations to build as natural partners that have a direct connection as maritime states to the Pacific region. They had a discussion and expressed their disagreement concerning recent developments within the South China Sea and dictated that one side attempts to use force.
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