In a significant move to bolster regional stability, Japan has announced plans to intensify its maritime security support to the Philippines, directly addressing the escalating tensions in the South China Sea. This decision was revealed by Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi during a press conference in Taguig City on January 15, 2025, alongside Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. Iwaya expressed Japan’s deep concerns about the actions that are increasing tensions in the region, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and stability.
Iwaya highlighted that the South China Sea issue is a critical concern for the international community, as it impacts regional peace and stability. He firmly opposed any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo by force or escalate tensions, urging for a de-escalation of the situation. The ministers agreed to enhance the Japan-Philippines partnership in response to the developments in the South China Sea.
Japan’s commitment includes continuing its Official Security Assistance (OSA) to improve the Philippines’ maritime security and Official Development Assistance (ODA) to enhance maritime safety capabilities. To date, Tokyo has provided two OSAs to Manila, the latest being a PHP611 million grant for equipment to the Philippine Navy and Air Force.
Amidst an increasingly challenging strategic environment, Iwaya underscored the importance of Japan’s strategic partnership with the Philippines. He noted the growing complexity of the international situation and the strategic significance of Southeast Asia for maritime transport and global growth.
Both ministers also discussed the need to maintain and strengthen cooperation with the incoming Trump administration through the Philippine-Japan-US trilateral framework. They agreed on the importance of working with other like-minded states to uphold a rules-based international order.
Manalo echoed concerns about developments in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea, noting that both nations face similar challenges in their pursuit of regional peace and stability. He emphasized the collaborative efforts to improve resilience and enhance adaptive capacity in the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region.
Beyond maritime security, Manalo expressed Manila’s interest in enhancing trade and investment with Tokyo, as well as cooperation in ICT, economic resilience, de-risking, and diversifying the telecommunications industry. He also mentioned the potential for an early review of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement.