Japan and Philippines seek to strengthen defense ties in Manila meeting

Japan and the Philippines are looking to strengthen their defense partnership amid a complex security environment. Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation during a bilateral meeting in Manila. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro plans to discuss shared values related to a rules-based international order. He highlighted the importance of a resilient partnership to counter unilateral actions by China and others. The two nations have already strengthened security ties over the past two years, including a military pact signed last year that allows troop deployments on each other's territory.