Maritime Cooperation Strengthens Between the Philippines and Japan

 

On Thursday, the Philippines sought communications equipment and patrol ships from Japan in order to better protect its territory after continuing conflicts with China.

Philippine’s Foreign Secretary stated that Japan would consider providing 10 patrol vessels and a communications system to Manila’s coast guard. The two countries also met and discussed ways to strengthen trade, investments, maritime security cooperation, and tourism.

China has emphasized claims over parts of the South China Sea with Malaysia, Philippines, Brunei, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The territories are not only important shipping lanes, but could potentially yield natural resources, including natural gas and oil.

Japan and China also have a dispute regarding ownership of a group of uninhabited islands known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China.

The Philippines is known to have a weak military. It has turned to other countries, including the United States, to enhance and modernize its navy, air force, and coast guard.

The Philippines hopes to resolve these issues peacefully, but also relies on help to to prevent poaching and foreign vessel intrusions.