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Japan seeks stronger defense ties with PH, shrugs off China criticism
Japan does not believe China's criticism of its growing defense cooperation with the Philippines is warranted, as Manila and Tokyo move to deepen their security partnership following President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s state visit to Japan.
In an exclusive interview with GMA News, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya rejected allegations that Japan was reviving what China called its "war machine" through closer defense cooperation with other countries, including the Philippines.
"We do not believe such criticism is warranted. Japan has consistently followed the path of a peace-loving nation for more than 80 years," Endo said.
"Japan's policy is defense-oriented and extremely transparent. The exercise of the right of self-defense established in the UN Charter is allowed only in a strictly limited environment in accordance with our Constitution," he added.
China earlier raised concern over what it described as Japan's military expansion, warning that it could affect regional stability.
Beijing likewise called out Tokyo over reports that Japan's Type 88 missiles were fired for the first time during the 2026 Balikatan military exercise in the Philippines.
Japan's defense minister, for his part, recently pushed back against similar accusations of "new militarism," saying Tokyo remained committed to international law and a free and open international order.
'Opaque' military expansion
Endo did not directly name China, but said there were countries that continued to expand their military capabilities "in quite an opaque manner" and were attempting to change the status quo by force or coercion.
"There are countries that have continued to expand military capabilities in quite an opaque manner over many years and have been continuously strengthening their attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion unilaterally. Japan opposes such moves and stands clearly apart from them," Endo said.
The Japanese envoy made the remarks as the Philippines and Japan pursue stronger defense and maritime security cooperation under their upgraded Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
During his recent state visit to Japan, Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi agreed to advance security cooperation, including talks on the protection of classified military information and the transfer of defense equipment.
Endo said Japan sees the Philippines as a key partner in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
"In order to safeguard the peace and stability of one's own country and the region, it is necessary for us to work together with partners," he said.
"We believe that by enhancing the defense capabilities of allies and like-minded partners, we can strengthen regional deterrence. The Philippines is Japan's maritime neighbor and a strategic partner that shares fundamental values and principles," he added.
Warships to PH
Japan and the Philippines are also moving forward with discussions on the possible transfer of Abukuma-class destroyers and one TC-90 aircraft to the Philippines.
According to a joint press statement from Japan's Ministry of Defense, the two countries' defense ministers reached a "broad consensus" to proceed with discussions on transferring Abukuma-class destroyers promptly after their decommissioning, as well as one TC-90 aircraft within Japan's fiscal year 2027. Detailed talks will continue on training, maintenance, sustainment, and proper management of the equipment after transfer.
Endo confirmed this in the interview, saying the two sides are now working on the matter.
"On the sidelines of Shangri-La Dialogue, the two defense ministers met again and reached a broad consensus to proceed with discussions with a view to transferring the Abukuma-class destroyers promptly after decommissioning, and one TC-90 aircraft within Japan's fiscal year 2027 to the Philippines," he said.
The TC-90 is a multi-engine training and light transport aircraft used by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, while the Abukuma-class vessels are expected to help improve the Philippine Navy's maritime capability.
The latest discussions come as Japan and the Philippines continue to expand practical defense cooperation, including under the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, as well as negotiations on an agreement covering the protection of classified military information.
For Endo, the goal is not escalation, but stronger deterrence through cooperation among countries that share common values.
"Japan has consistently followed the path of a peace-loving nation," he said. — VDV, GMA News
