Japan, the United States and the Philippines are preparing to establish a formal framework for high-level ministerial discussions on security issues, the Kyodo news agency reported on Tuesday.
The three countries plan to organize their first meeting as early as April, according to the Kyodo agency.
The move comes as Taiwan, which sits between Japan and the Philippines, has become a focal point for increased Chinese military activity, which Tokyo and Washington fear could escalate into war.
Japan held joint military exercises with the United States and the Philippines as recently as October.
