Japan, the Philippines strengthens bilateral security ties
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R) and Filipino President Benigno Aquino (L) (Photo: The Diplomat)
(VOVworld)- Japan and the Philippines have agreed to start talks toward signing an accord over the transfer of military technology and equipment, as the two countries are boosting their security ties. The decision was made during talks on Thursday between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Filipino President Benigno Aquino in Tokyo during Aquino’s four-day state visit to Japan. In a joint statement, the two leaders shared their concerns over attempts to change the status quo in the East Sea.
The talks were held a few days after Japan and the US opposed China’s actions at the Shangri-La dialogue, Asia’s biggest security dialogue in Singapore. The two leaders stressed the importance of resolving disputes in accordance with international laws and called for the restraint of unilateral acts at sea. The two sides agreed on strengthening security cooperation through bilateral and multilateral military drills.