Japan's defense minister visits Philippine bases ahead of key talks on defense relations

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani visited two Philippine military bases over the weekend. This visit precedes his meeting with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on February 24 to discuss enhancing defense relations. Nakatani toured Basa Air Base and Wallace Air Station, where Japanese radar systems are stationed. Teodoro emphasized the importance of monitoring activities within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. A reciprocal access agreement between Japan and the Philippines is pending ratification in Japan. This agreement aims to facilitate troop cooperation, similar to the existing agreement with the United States.