On foreign relations

On foreign relations | Daily Tribune

This writer was in Tokyo last week and the talk of the town, aside from Shohei Otani’s remarkable performance in the World Series and British rock band Oasis performing at Tokyo Dome, was the installation of Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, who wasted no time in making her mark on global diplomacy. Barely a week after she assumed office, Takaichi met with former US President Donald Trump, a move that underscored Japan’s resolve to strengthen its alliance with the US.

Takaichi is Japan’s first female prime minister and is known for her nationalist views and her strong stance on security. Her early meeting with President Trump sent a clear message that Japan will no longer play a passive role in regional affairs. It seeks to be a proactive partner of the United States. Notably, President Trump was most relaxed and amused in his visit to Tokyo, and this can be a sign of things to come between the two nations.

This renewed vigor in Japan–US relations finds a parallel in Manila’s own foreign policy recalibration under President Bongbong Marcos, Jr. Like Japan, the Philippines has rediscovered the value of its long-standing alliance with the United States — not as an act of dependence, but as a strategic partnership rooted in shared interests and mutual respect. And this strategic partnership is most needed in light of the ongoing territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea.

President Marcos was able to join Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC Summit in Korea last week, together with the leaders from the Asia Pacific. However, our President reportedly did not hold a separate bilateral meeting with either of the leaders; instead, he chose to advance economic relations with other countries and meet with the local Filipino community in Busan.

Under President Marcos, the Philippines has progressed by leaps and bounds in its foreign policy with a pragmatic, forward-looking approach. The revival of joint military exercises, the expansion of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), and closer maritime cooperation all reflect a more confident and balanced foreign policy.

But the Japan–US model offers another valuable lesson: Modern alliances cannot rely solely on defense. Japan is leveraging its partnership with America to build technology, strengthen industries, and secure its supply chains. The Philippines can follow suit by transforming its US ties into an engine for innovation, particularly in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and even artificial intelligence.

More importantly, Japan’s example highlights the importance of clarity. Takaichi’s diplomacy reflects a country certain of its purpose: To ensure security, prosperity, and leadership in the region. The Philippines must aspire to the same clarity.

President Marcos appears to grasp this delicate balance. And as we venture towards the latter part of the Marcos Presidency, one legacy he built was the re-established and strengthened ties with the US. His foreign policy has been pragmatic, not ideological, yet open to cooperation. It is a policy looks outward with confidence, one that can help build strong nations for the decades to come.

For comments, email darren.dejesus@gmail.com.