By Focus and AFP | 2026-06-01

The Philippines and Japan have agreed to begin negotiations on a military intelligence-sharing pact and advance discussions on Japanese defense equipment transfers. Their partnership is gaining strength as both countries face growing challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi elevated their countries' relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following summit talks in Tokyo on May 28. The move marks the highest level of diplomatic engagement attained between the two countries.

"At today's meeting, regarding national security, we agreed to begin formal negotiations on the General Security of Military Information Agreement," Takaichi told a joint news conference after the talks.

Japan already maintains similar agreements with the United States, Australia and South Korea to safeguard classified military information. Japanese officials said a pact with Manila would facilitate intelligence exchanges and support closer coordination with Washington amid a deteriorating regional environment.

The two leaders agreed to pursue discussions on the transfer of multiple Abukuma-class destroyers and TC-90 training aircraft to the Philippines. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has separately expressed interest in acquiring Japan's Type-88 surface-to-ship missile system.

The Philippines welcomed Japan's revised defense export guidelines, which Tokyo says will contribute to regional peace and stability while enabling closer defense cooperation with partners.

Marcos described the partnership upgrade as a "milestone" built on shared values of peace, diplomacy and adherence to international law.

Shared concerns over China

The Philippines and Japan have drawn steadily closer in recent years amid shared concerns over China's maritime activities. In the South China Sea, Beijing has deployed coast guard and naval vessels around disputed features claimed by Manila, leading to repeated confrontations.

Japan, meanwhile, continues to face pressure from Chinese vessels around the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

Marcos has adopted a firmer approach toward Beijing than have some previous Philippine administrations, while expanding defense cooperation with Japan both bilaterally and through initiatives involving the United States.

Marcos said Manila and Tokyo had taken "very important steps" to strengthen defense cooperation and uphold a rules-based maritime order.

Expanding defense ties

The two countries have significantly expanded military cooperation in recent years. A Reciprocal Access Agreement that took effect in 2024 allows troops from both countries to deploy for training and exercises on each other's territory.

Earlier this year, Manila and Tokyo signed an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement enabling the exchange of fuel, food, ammunition and other supplies during joint activities.

Japan has provided patrol vessels, coastal surveillance radar systems and other assistance to the Philippines while helping improve the country's maritime domain awareness and monitoring capabilities.

Japan participated for the first time in the annual U.S.-Philippines Balikatan military exercises this year, deploying about 1,400 personnel. The joint statement issued after the summit said growing defense cooperation had laid a "robust foundation" for closer Japanese-Philippine ties.

Disputed waters

The joint statement expressed "serious concern" over developments in the South China and East China seas, reaffirming opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.

The two governments reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and called for peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues through dialogue.

Manila and Tokyo have formally launched negotiations to delimit the maritime boundaries of their Exclusive Economic Zones and continental shelves. In a joint statement, both nations reaffirmed their support for the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling, which invalidated Beijing's sweeping maritime claims in the region.

China expressed strong opposition on May 29, calling the talks "entirely illegal and invalid" and claiming exclusive control over the waters concerned.

Despite China's pushback, Manila and Tokyo confirmed they would convene the next Philippines-Japan "2+2" Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting at the earliest opportunity to strengthen strategic coordination.

Earlier in the day, Marcos addressed both chambers of Japan's parliament. The Philippines and Japan "are committed to strengthening maritime security and ensuring that our seas remain open, secure, and governed by rules, not by force," he stressed.

Beyond defense

The visit came weeks after Tokyo eased decades-old restrictions on defense exports, opening the way for overseas sales of a wider range of military equipment. The Philippines is expected to become one of the first major recipients of Japanese defense systems under the revised policy. The shift follows Tokyo's effort to assume a larger regional role.

Japanese officials increasingly view the Philippines as a key partner along sea lanes linking the East China Sea, Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.

On the economic front, major Japanese companies committed to invest US$3.4 billion in the Philippines following a business roundtable with Marcos. The planned investments cover sectors including electronics, semiconductors, shipbuilding and renewable energy. The two governments signed an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation.