PH-Japan’s long-standing friendship
The Philippines enters this new year fully cognizant of the numerous and multifaceted threats that it faces, both within its territory and as part of the Indo-Pacific region. If we are to look at the year 2024 as an indication, then we would acknowledge that the international situation is precarious and complex, and that we have been on the receiving end of gray zone operations perpetuated by our main adversary, our giant neighbor to the West.
Navigating these challenges means employing well-thought-out strategies that balance diplomacy and a rejection of escalation on the one hand, and a firm assertion of our rights and beliefs on the other. And indeed, the Marcos administration is putting these security concerns at the center of its defense policy this year.
The midterm election in May also lends an additional layer of importance as the Filipino people once again get the opportunity to elect the people to represent them and make decisions on their behalf and for their supposed benefit.
Fortunately, the Philippine government inspires confidence among the people when it comes to taking action on these traditional and evolving security concerns. In the fourth quarter of 2024, we witnessed the signing and enactment of several landmark measures that signal the administration’s move to further assert the country’s rights in key domains such as the West Philippine Sea.
The President signed the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (Republic Act No. 12064) and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act (RA 12065). These landmark laws are designed to strengthen the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea, align domestic legislation with international maritime law, and reinforce the nation’s jurisdictional boundaries.
The Philippines also ratified its Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan reflecting the strong bond between the two countries. The landmark agreement will strengthen the cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Self-Defense Forces of Japan.
And before the year ended, the President signed the General Appropriations Act, which includes PHP 35 billion in funding for the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Modernization Program for 2025.
A crucial part of the Philippines’ defense strategy is strengthening alliances and partnerships with like-minded nations. A Stratbase-commissioned survey showed that the United States, Japan, and Australia remained the most trusted partners among our people, at 73 percent, 51 percent, and 48 percent, respectively. There is also a sense of urgency to strengthen the military capability of the country by conducting joint patrols and military exercises with friends.
In keeping with what is strategically necessary and what Filipinos believe to be the right course of action, the Stratbase Institute, in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, held a lecture entitled “Reinforcing Japan-Philippines Strategic Cooperation to Maintain Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific” on Jan. 10, 2025.
This gathering of experts explored how the behavior of aggressive actors in the international arena affects national interests and how like-minded nations such as Japan and the Philippines can foster collaboration to maintain regional peace and stability despite differing interests.
In his message, Ambassador Endo Kazuya emphasized the exceptional state of Japan-Philippines relations, describing it as being in a “golden age.” He expressed determination to further unlock the partnership’s full potential, highlighting ongoing efforts to fortify security and defense cooperation alongside allies like the United States and Australia. “Together,” he stated, “we will continue to send a powerful message of unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability, anchored on the rule of law.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Shin Kawashima, a professor in the Department of International Relations at the University of Tokyo, underscored the vast opportunities for Japan-Philippines cooperation. Among these, he pointed to enhancing coast guard interoperability to address shared maritime challenges and improve disaster response capabilities.
The Japan-Philippines strategic partnership has reached unprecedented heights, with further avenues for collaboration anticipated this year.
Every decision carries weight, and navigating challenges with caution and respect for international law remains paramount.
By adhering to these principles, we can approach 2025 and the coming years with cautious optimism, seizing opportunities to strengthen cooperation, and foster peaceful coexistence among nations.
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Dindo Manhit is the founder and CEO of Stratbase Group.
