The Philippines Seeks to Strengthen Security Cooperation with Japan

According to a report by Reference News Network on May 21, Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun reported on May 19 that Philippine President Marcos will visit Japan as a state guest on the 26th. He intends to promote the strengthening of security cooperation between Japan and the Philippines and welcomes Japan's revision of the "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment" and its operational guidelines. In light of the impacts caused by tensions in the Middle East, he also aims to deepen cooperation between Japan and the Philippines in the energy sector.

In an interview at the Malacañang Palace, Marcos stated that discussions related to security cooperation are "a very important part" of his visit to Japan.

The Japanese government revised the "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment" and its operational guidelines in April this year, which in principle allows for the export of lethal weapons. Marcos affirmed this, stating that this move marks "a new stage in Japan-Philippines relations."

Marcos mentioned Japan's past cooperation in exporting equipment such as surveillance control radars to the Philippines and expressed that "the relationship between the two countries will continue to strengthen and deepen."

Marcos also noted that the armed forces of the United States and the Philippines are jointly conducting "Shoulder-to-Shoulder" exercises, with the Japan Self-Defense Forces participating fully for the first time, achieving significant progress in enhancing interoperability.

According to a report by Spain's El Mundo website on May 17, in 2022, Japan dispatched a defense attaché to Spain; in 2025, Spain will also establish a similar position in Tokyo. In 2025, the "Méndez Núñez" frigate will participate in a UK-led Indo-Pacific deployment, conducting joint operations with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels along the way; just a year prior, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force training fleet docked at the port of Valencia, Spain. Such exchanges, which are rarely noticed by the public, clearly confirm a major trend: the communication between the Spanish Ministry of Defense and Japan's defense department is continuing to warm up.

The two sides have a clear goal of finalizing a framework agreement for military technology and equipment transfer between the two countries. This agreement will not only facilitate the mutual exchange of military technology and industrial capabilities but also help both countries establish a foothold in an increasingly competitive and volatile international landscape.

Since the administration of Sanae Takaichi, Japan has fully relaxed its weapon export restrictions, and the increasingly frequent defense interactions between Japan and Spain have cleared many obstacles for both sides to sign a cooperation agreement.

Insiders in the military industry revealed that once the two countries officially sign the agreement, Spanish defense companies will have the opportunity to collaborate with Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Previously, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries successfully secured a major contract for the construction of 11 frigates for the Australian Navy, with the contract stipulating that the first three vessels will be built in Japan, while the remaining vessels will be constructed in Australia.

If the two governments reach a consensus on defense cooperation, Spain is expected to be deeply involved in the Australian Navy's shipbuilding project, becoming a core partner in the project. (Translated by Ma Xiaoyun and Han Chao)