Japan reaffirms support for PH's maritime security

Marcos, PM Ishiba bilateral talks to tackle sea disputes, US tariffs

- By RAYMUND ANTONIO and ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Japanese government will remain committed to providing the Philippines with much-needed equipment and support for maritime security to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru said.

In a column written for the Manila Bulletin, the Prime Minister reiterated his country's “special bond of friendship” with the Philippines, but also acknowledged the “increasing division and confrontation” in the global space.

“As maritime nations bound by fundamental values and strategic interests, Japan and the Philippines are key partners who collaborate not only in bilateral relations but also on regional and global issues,” he wrote. “Given the international community's increasing division and confrontation, cooperation between Japan and the Philippines is more important than ever in realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific." Sea disputes, US tariffs Ishiba met President Ferdinand Marcos on Tuesday at the start of his two-day visit to the Philippines.

Their talks were expected to focus on China's aggressive actions in the disputed South China Sea and East China Sea, a reaffirmation of their commitment to a three-way alliance with the United States, and the barrage of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, officials said.

"The US tariff measures have dealt a major blow to the economies of both Vietnam and the Philippines. In addition, there have been major impacts on Japanese companies expanding into these countries," said Ishiba, who was scheduled to meet Japanese company executives in the Philippines to hear their concerns.