Japanese warships dock in Manila for port call

Two Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyers docked at Manila’s Port Area on Saturday for a three-day visit, marking the Philippines' growing naval cooperation with Tokyo following the ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA).

The JS Ise (DDH-182), a Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer, and JS Suzunami (DD-114), a Takanami-class destroyer, arrived at Manila’s Port Area around 10:30 a.m. as part of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's (JMSDF) Indo-Pacific Deployment (IPD) 2025.

This initiative aims to promote regional security as well as to strengthen cooperation with allied and partner navies in the Indo-Pacific through joint exercises.

During their deployment, the JMSDF vessels are carrying out joint training exercises with naval forces from various Indo-Pacific countries, including regular operators in these waters.

"These engagements serve to enhance the tactical capabilities of the JMSDF, foster mutual understanding and trust among participating navies, and deepen multilateral defense cooperation. Such initiatives reflect Japan’s continued commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and a rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region," the Japanese Embassy in Manila said in a statement.

Philippine Navy personnel, including the Navy Band, welcomed them with performances of Japanese anime theme songs like One Piece and Slam Dunk.

In his speech, Rear Adm. Natsui Takashi, commander of JMSDF Escort Flotilla Four, said that the port call represents Japan’s commitment to supporting Manila and other like-minded countries in maintaining a “free and open” Indo-Pacific region.

Takashi also mentioned that any attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo in the South China Sea by force pose “serious challenges” to the rules-based international order.

“I recognize that unilateral changes in the status quo by force are serious challenges to the international order based on the rule of law,” he told reporters aboard JS Ise.

This marked the JMSDF’s third visit to the Philippines this year. For JS Ise, it was the ship’s second visit, with its first in Subic back in 2017.

Takashi, however, clarified that "this deployment is not targeted at any specific country."

“I hope this opportunity will promote multi-layered bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific," he continued.

Takashi said the JMSDF will conduct naval exercises with the Philippine Navy to enhance interoperability.

He also hinted at increased naval engagements following the National Diet’s ratification of the RAA on 6 June.

“Through this agreement, we can simplify the procedures for mutual cooperative activities. I understand that it will make two countries cooperate more smoothly. I hope that the relationship between the JMSDF and the Philippine Navy will be more strengthened,” he said.

On 8 July 2024, the Philippines, and Japan formally signed their RAA, which outlines the provisions on entry and departure, movement, access to facilities, and professional practice of the visiting force and civilian component for cooperative activities, as well as the rules governing the jurisdiction over the actions of the Visiting Force and Civilian Component.

Last 16 December 2024, the Senate concurred with the ratification of the agreement RAA between the Philippines and Japan, allowing the facilitation of reciprocal access and military cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the JDSF.