Japan, Philippines reaffirm ties for maritime security

MANILA, Philippines —  Japan, through its parliamentary vice minister for foreign affairs Masahiro Komura, has again reassured the Philippines of its commitment to a continuing strategic partnership.

Komura relayed his nation’s position to Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. in Tokyo on Wednesday where they discussed maritime security and other issues.

While the maritime issue with China was not specifically mentioned, the Japanese embassy said the two discussed the need “to further strengthen the maritime security cooperation for the peace and stability in the region.”

“Amidst the multiple crises the international community is facing, Japan attaches great importance to cooperation with the Philippines as a neighboring maritime nation and a strategic partner, in order to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law,” Komura said.

Adaci, in response, expressed his gratitude to Japan for its decision to provide coastal radar systems to the Philippine Navy as its first project under the “Official Security Assistance” program.

Like the Philippines, Japan is also having territorial issues with China, which is claiming Japan’s Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.