By Monsi A. Serrano
Japan is stepping up its security and economic support for the Philippines, pledging closer maritime cooperation, infrastructure assistance, and defense collaboration to uphold a rules-based Indo-Pacific amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.
Speaking at the symposium “Safeguarding the Maritime Domain for the Free and Open Indo-Pacific” in Makati City, Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya emphasized that peace and stability cannot be taken for granted and must be actively and collectively sustained.
The event was organized by the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA) and the Stratbase Institute for Strategic and International Studies, bringing together policymakers, security experts, and stakeholders from Japan, the Philippines, the United States, and India. National Security Council Secretary Eduardo Año also attended.
Ambassador Endo highlighted that 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific initiative launched by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Over the past decade, more countries have adopted their own Indo-Pacific strategies, and ASEAN has advanced the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, reflecting a high degree of synergy with Japan’s initiatives.
He stressed the importance of deeper cooperation among like-minded partners in addressing evolving maritime challenges, emerging technologies, and strategic competition in the region. “To maintain a region rooted in freedom and the rule of law, partners must work together to uphold a free and open international order that benefits all countries, large and small alike,” he said.
The Philippines is a key strategic partner in Japan’s regional agenda. Endo highlighted the entry into force of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) and the ongoing negotiations for the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which deepen defense and security collaboration. Japan has also supported the Philippine Coast Guard through the provision of advanced vessels, including BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Melchora Aquino, and participated in Maritime Cooperative Activities with the Philippines and other allies.
Economic resilience is also central to Japan’s strategy in the region. Japan remains the largest provider of official development assistance to the Philippines, with around 1,600 Japanese companies operating in the country. Investments in infrastructure projects, such as the Metro Manila Subway Project and the Central Mindanao High Standard Highway, are designed to strengthen connectivity and supply chain stability. Japanese support for digital infrastructure, undersea cable networks, and cybersecurity initiatives further enhances the Philippines’ economic resilience.
Ambassador Endo also highlighted the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines and noted the strong people-to-people ties, including the significant presence of Filipino seafarers on Japanese-operated vessels.
As geopolitical tensions continue to shape the Indo-Pacific, Japan will continue to work closely with the Philippines, ASEAN, the United States, and other like-minded partners to ensure the region remains free, open, and governed by international law.