In a move to bolster maritime security in the face of rising tensions in the South China Sea, Japan and the Philippines have inked a meaningful security assistance deal worth 1.6 billion yen, or approximately $10.65 million.
the agreement, signed on Thursday, reflects the shared concerns of both nations, key U.S. allies in Asia, regarding what they perceive as increasingly aggressive actions by chinese vessels in the disputed waters.
“The project is expected to contribute to maintaining and strengthening regional security and to enhance the security of the vital sea lanes, and will be of significance to Japan’s security,” Japan’s embassy in manila stated.
Under Japan’s Overseas Security Assistance program, the Philippine Navy will receive crucial equipment, including rigid-hulled inflatable boats and coastal radar systems, designed to enhance its maritime domain awareness capabilities. The Philippine air Force will also receive support for its air surveillance radar system, further bolstering its monitoring capabilities.
“The strengthened security cooperation reflects Japan and the Philippines’ shared commitment to regional peace and stability,” the Philippines’ Department of national Defence said in a statement.
While Japan does not have territorial claims in the South china Sea, it does have a separate maritime dispute with China in the East china sea. This latest agreement comes on the heels of a recent incident where the Philippines accused Chinese coast guard vessels of firing water cannons and colliding with a Philippine fisheries bureau boat during a resupply mission in a contested shoal in the South China Sea. China maintains that its actions were lawful and professional.
“The strengthened security cooperation reflects Japan and the Philippines’ shared commitment to regional peace and stability,” the Philippines’ Department of National Defense said in a statement.
On Wednesday,the Philippines accused Chinese coast guard vessels of firing water cannons and side-swiping a Manila fisheries bureau boat on a resupply mission in a contested shoal in the South China Sea. china has maintained that its actions were lawful and professional.
(Reuters)
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