Tokyo/Manila: Japan and the Philippines have indicated strengthening defence-related cooperation due to the increasing Chinese hegemonic activities. Moreover, officials from both countries informed that these issues were discussed during the Japan-Philippines Two-Plus-Two talks held in Japan’s capital, Tokyo. Japan has started efforts to strengthen the anti-China front through the medium of Two-Plus-Two talks. Japan has taken the initiative in the Southeast Asian region and the Philippines is the second Southeast Asian country after Indonesia.
A comprehensive meeting was held between Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi and Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Filipino Defence Minister Delphin Lorenza and Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin in Tokyo on Saturday. Sources informed that during the meeting, talks revolved mainly around the issues of Chinese activities in the South and East China Seas and defence cooperation. Both the countries concurred on increasing the scope of the defence agreement signed between the two countries in 2015.
At this time, a joint statement was issued by both countries. The statement strongly denounced China’s unilateral activities and use of force in the South China Sea region. At the same time, it was also assured that these countries would make efforts to keep the Indo-Pacific sector free and open. Both the countries have warned in the statement that they will oppose all activities increasing tensions in the South China Sea along with the East China Sea.
The Chinese expansionist activities in the South China Sea and nearby marine regions face a strong retaliation from the ASEAN countries. Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore have disregarded the Chinese Pressure and have started to implement their policies. The Philippines has sharpened the edge of its opposition to China and has posed a challenge to China and increased defence expenditure. Two-Plus-Two talks with Japan also are a part of the aggressive policy of the Philippines against China.
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