The Japanese Self-Defense Force, or JSDF, has expressed readiness to assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines in addressing common security issues in the West Philippine Sea.

The JSDF said it backs the Philippines’ promotion of a rules-based international order in the WPS “to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

AFP spokesperson Col. Jorry Baclor said Japan made the commitment during AFP chief Gen. Andres Centino’s attendance at the Defense and Security Equipment International-Japan on 14 to 17 March.

DSEI Japan brought together defense industry players and the Japanese security community.

Baclor said Centino met with JSDF chief Gen. Koji Yamazaki and discussed maritime cooperation and defens capability development.

Likewise, they discussed efforts for the Philippines and Japan to hold joint security exercises.

Centino thanked the JSDF for assisting the AFP’s continuing capability development and modernization efforts.

The AFP chief said Japan remains the country’s strongest ally “when it comes to security and other economic and developmental activities.”