The defense chiefs of the Philippines and Japan met Monday to address initiatives against China’s “unilateral attempts” to disrupt the international order, as well as the challenges posed by other nations.

During a bilateral meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. emphasized the “robust, enduring and strong” bilateral relations between the two nations, particularly in multilateral defense arrangements and security collaborations.

Nakatani paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacañang.

“We look forward to the discussions this morning, including enhancing our partnership with shared values of the rules-based international order, a free and open Indo-Pacific, and a resilient Japan and the Philippines against unilateral attempts by China and other countries to change the international order and the narrative,” Teodoro said on the sidelines of the Defense Ministerial Meeting in Makati City.

Nakatani highlighted the evolving strategic partnership between Manila and Tokyo, noting significant progress in the areas of cooperation.

“I would like to welcome that our bilateral relationship has developed into a strategic partnership, and significant advancements have been made in areas of cooperation,” he said.

Nakatani also pointed to increasing challenges in the regional and international security landscape, stressing the need for Japan and the Philippines to strengthen their defense cooperation to ensure peace and stability.