Kyodo: Japan to Continue Backing Philippine Military for 4th Year | WPN World People News

Japan is continuing to deepen its security cooperation with the Philippines. According to Japanese media reports, the Japanese government has largely decided to designate the Philippine military as a recipient of support for the fourth consecutive year under its Official Security Assistance (OSA) framework. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to formally convey the decision during talks with Philippine President Bongbong Marcos on the 28th, while also promoting a further upgrade in bilateral security ties.

The two sides are also expected to agree on launching negotiations for a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), which would establish a framework for exchanging classified intelligence, prevent information leaks, and strengthen defense cooperation. If concluded, the agreement would enable Japan, the United States, and the Philippines to build a closer trilateral intelligence-sharing mechanism. Japan has previously provided coastal surveillance radars to the Philippines, and future cooperation may include sharing monitoring data to enhance regional security and deterrence capabilities.

Amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and growing regional security challenges, Japan is also considering providing defense equipment such as destroyers and trainer aircraft, while assisting the Philippines in developing military and energy infrastructure. Bilateral ties are expected to be elevated from a “strategic partnership” to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” covering security, energy, and economic cooperation. At the same time, both sides are expected to further advance the vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and deepen discussions on energy supply and trade cooperation.