In a significant diplomatic exchange, the National Security Advisers of the Philippines and Japan, Eduardo Año and Okano Masataka respectively, have once again pledged their support for the principles of freedom of navigation and adherence to international law in the contentious waters of the South China Sea and East China Sea. This commitment was voiced during a telephone conversation on Monday, as reported by the National Security Council (NSC) of the Philippines.
The dialogue between the two officials underscored the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the need for an international rules-based order. They also touched upon the necessity of cooperative efforts to counteract destabilizing activities in the area referred to as the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea.
Further, the conversation highlighted the ongoing security collaboration between Japan and the Philippines, with both NSAs agreeing to deepen their partnership. They also expressed their intent to enhance the trilateral cooperation framework involving the United States, adapting to the new administration led by President Donald Trump.