• Fumio Kishida working with the Philippines & US to protect the South China Sea.
• Kishida addressed the Philippine Congress in the capital city of Manila.
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• Japan’s primary maritime dispute with China lies in the East China Sea.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, during his official visit to the Philippines, affirmed on Saturday that his country, along with the Philippines and the United States, is collaborating to safeguard the freedom of the South China Sea. He also pledged to assist in enhancing Manila’s security capabilities.

Kishida addressed the Philippine Congress in the capital city of Manila, stating, “In the South China Sea, trilateral cooperation to protect the freedom of the sea is underway.”

His statement came after he and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr reached an agreement on Friday to commence negotiations for a reciprocal troop access deal, aiming to bolster military cooperation. This move is in response to China’s increasing assertiveness in the region.

Both the Philippines and Japan, close allies of the United States in Asia, have expressed strong opposition to what they perceive as aggressive actions by Chinese vessels, particularly in the context of long-standing disputes over maritime sovereignty.

China asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, which includes portions of the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China’s claims in the region lacked a legal basis.

Kishida emphasized Japan’s commitment to contributing to the enhancement of the Philippines’ security capabilities, with the overarching goal of promoting regional peace and stability.

Japan’s involvement has included observing U.S.-Philippine military exercises in March and conducting joint training between the Philippine and Japanese coast guards in June.

These initiatives are aimed at upholding maritime order through adherence to international laws and rules, rather than relying on force.

Japan’s primary maritime dispute with China lies in the East China Sea, not the South China Sea. Nevertheless, Japan has been actively engaging in initiatives to counter China’s growing military power.

Kishida revealed Japan’s largest military build-up in December, geared towards addressing the challenge posed by China’s military expansion.

Japan has agreed to provide coastal surveillance radars, marking the world’s inaugural cooperation project under Japan’s Official Security Assistance program as part of its efforts to support the Philippines. This program is designed to enhance the deterrence capabilities of partner countries in Tokyo’s network.

Kishida expressed Japan’s commitment to deepening strategic cooperation with the Philippines in the future. Before departing Manila, he also planned to visit the Philippine Coast Guard.

Kishida described the relationship between Japan and the Philippines as entering a “golden age.” Recent tensions in the South China Sea have included disputes and accusations between China and the Philippines, including a collision in the disputed waters last month as Chinese vessels obstructed Philippine boats supplying forces in the area.

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