MANILA – Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met Monday to strengthen defense cooperation as both nations confront escalating regional security challenges.
Marking the 10th anniversary of the Philippines-Japan strategic partnership, the officials reaffirmed their commitment to advancing defense ties, including the implementation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), joint military training, and enhanced maritime security cooperation. The dialogue also underscored Japan’s continued support for modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through its Official Security Assistance (OSA) program.
“This meeting is an exchange of views on regional security issues in the Indo Pacific, the situation in the East Sea and the South China Sea, and most importantly, our shared initiatives moving forward not only on bilateral security enhancements but also in promoting a sustainable, economically beneficial, and defense-sustained industry partnership,” Teodoro said in a media briefing.
Nakatani highlighted Japan’s contributions to Philippine defense, particularly the deployment of air surveillance radar systems, which he said play a critical role in bolstering air defense and ensuring regional stability. “I was very encouraged by my close observation that Japanese air surveillance radar systems are making an extremely large contribution to the air defense of the Philippines and the peace and stability of the South China Sea,” he told reporters.
Both defense ministers expressed shared concerns over evolving security threats and reiterated their support to a free and open Indo-Pacific under a rules-based international order. They also looked forward to further engagements, including Japan’s hosting of the third Philippines-Japan Defense and Foreign Affairs Ministerial Meeting (2+2) later this year.
Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani (left) and Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (right) during a joint media briefing at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel on Feb. 24, 2025.
Before the talks, Nakatani and Teodoro visited key military facilities in Luzon, including Basa Airbase and Wallace Air Station, where they observed air defense capabilities and mobile radar systems crucial for monitoring Philippine airspace.
Japan is one of the Philippines’ four strategic partners, with the two countries having signed 264 bilateral agreements, including those covering the transfer of defense equipment and technology transfers, infrastructure development, and initiatives in Mindanao.
Since 2023, the Philippines has been among the first recipients of Japan’s OSA and the only country to receive grant aid in two consecutive years. OSA is a cooperation framework that provides development assistance to the AFP and related organizations, deepening security cooperation.
The Japan Self-Defense Forces also offer educational and training opportunities to the AFP. - Florenda Corpuz
(Photos courtesy of Department of National Defense - Philippines)
