Japan’s strategic generosity

In a meeting that underscored the deepening ties between two longtime allies in the Indo-Pacific, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on 29 April at Malacañan Palace for an 85-minute summit aimed at advancing cooperation in defense, economic development and regional security.

The visit marked Prime Minister Ishiba’s first official trip to the Philippines in 25 years, a gesture warmly welcomed by President Marcos, who described current Japan-Philippines relations as entering a “golden age” of cooperation.

The two leaders held a small group meeting followed by a plenary session, covering a wide spectrum of bilateral, regional and global issues.

At the heart of the summit was a shared commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. Ishiba highlighted the importance of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, affirming that both Japan and the Philippines, as allies of the United States, share fundamental values such as the rule of law and democratic governance.

President Marcos echoed these sentiments, expressing his intent to expand cooperation across multiple fronts, particularly in defense and economic development.

Security collaboration took center stage, with both leaders welcoming progress in implementing the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement, which facilitates joint military training and cooperation.

They also agreed to begin negotiations on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement to enhance operational collaboration. A notable development was their commitment to concluding an Agreement on the Security of Information, a step seen as critical for intelligence-sharing and joint planning.

In terms of maritime security, Japan pledged continued support in base development, joint training and capacity-building measures, especially in coordination with the United States.

These initiatives reflect a growing urgency among regional allies to maintain stability amid tensions in the South China Sea.

Economic cooperation was another focal point. Prime Minister Ishiba reiterated Japan’s support for President Marcos’ goal of elevating the Philippines to upper middle-income status, citing Japan’s experience and investment capabilities.

The two leaders discussed bolstering public-private partnerships in telecommunications, especially in submarine cable infrastructure and 5G technology.

Energy cooperation was also emphasized, particularly the development of LNG facilities and collaboration through the Asia Zero Emissions Community.

Both leaders acknowledged the importance of securing resilient energy supply chains and promoting a stable investment environment, including in critical minerals such as nickel.

Recognizing their shared vulnerability to natural disasters, the leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in disaster management, with Japan offering expertise in flood control and early warning systems.

Infrastructure development and agricultural collaboration were also included in the broader agenda for long-term economic resilience.

Beyond bilateral matters, the two leaders discussed regional security, including the situation in the West Philippine Sea, and reaffirmed their opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo by force.

They agreed to deepen trilateral coordination with the United States to uphold international law and regional stability.

Concluding the summit, Ishiba invited Filipinos to visit the ongoing Osaka-Kansai Expo, to which Marcos responded with well wishes for its success, closing a productive meeting with a gesture of friendship and forward-looking diplomacy.