Ishiba Advocates Japan-Philippines Unity Amid Tariff Challenges, Regional Tensions

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba visited the Philippines to reinforce security and economic cooperation with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, particularly over China's assertiveness in the South and East China Seas. Both leaders emphasized opposition to any attempts to alter the status quo in these disputed waters, advocating for a free and open Indo-Pacific governed by international law. The talks included discussions on the impact of U.S.-China trade tensions and U.S. tariffs on Japanese companies operating in the Philippines, with Ishiba pledging to address their concerns. Defense collaboration was highlighted, notably Japan's Official Security Assistance to the Philippines and ongoing negotiations for agreements facilitating logistical and information security cooperation. The Reciprocal Access Agreement, allowing joint military exercises and deployments, was noted as a milestone in deepening bilateral defense ties. Both countries, as close U.S. allies, reaffirmed their commitment to upholding a rules-based international order and enhancing regional stability.