Takeshi Iwaya, Japan's Foreign Minister, commenced a two-day visit to the Philippines on Tuesday, marking a significant step in the strengthened strategic partnership between the two nations. This partnership, established in 2015, aims to deepen bilateral ties through discussions on defence, security, and development cooperation. As regional geopolitical dynamics shift, these topics have gained renewed importance.
During his visit to Manila, Iwaya is set to discuss the details of a potential defence pact with Philippine officials. This agreement could redefine regional security, potentially allowing Japanese forces to operate on Philippine soil for the first time since World War II. While this prospect has raised concerns for some, Shin Kawashima, a professor of international relations at the University of Tokyo, suggests that such worries may be unnecessary.
Kawashima notes that the current Japanese administration's policy towards China aligns with that of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. This consistency in policy suggests that the evolving partnership with the Philippines is not intended as a provocation but rather as a strategic realignment in response to changing regional conditions.
The strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines encompasses not only defence and security but also development cooperation. This comprehensive approach reflects the shared interests and mutual benefits envisioned by both nations. By addressing these multifaceted aspects, the partnership aims to fortify bilateral relations while contributing to broader regional stability.
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