Japan to provide radar to Philippines, agree to negotiate mutual assistance deal

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited the Philippines on November 3rd and met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila. According to NHK, Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan and the Philippines are both maritime nations and strategic partners who share fundamental principles and values.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (left) and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila on November 3.

Noting the crises facing the international community, Prime Minister Kishida expressed hope for enhanced cooperation to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. He stated that the two countries share concerns about "unacceptable and unilateral actions that alter the status quo by force" in the East China Sea and the South China Sea.

The two leaders confirmed they would begin rounds of dialogue to finalize a Mutual Access Agreement, which will help prepare the necessary details for joint exercises and other activities between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine military. Japan has similar agreements with the United Kingdom and Australia.

"We recognize the benefits of this agreement for our defense forces and military personnel, and for maintaining peace and stability in the region," Reuters quoted President Marcos Jr. as saying.

The leader said Japan has provided 600 million yen ($4 million) to help the Philippines strengthen its efforts to acquire coastal radars for maritime security purposes.

Prime Minister Kishida agreed with President Marcos Jr. to provide coastal surveillance radars to the Philippines as part of Japan's official security assistance.

The program, launched in April, aims to provide defense equipment to like-minded countries to enhance security cooperation. This is the first time Japan has adopted this framework.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/nhat-ban-se-cung-cap-radar-cho-philippines-dong-y-dam-phan-ve-thoa-thuan-tuong-ho-185231103210244429.htm