Philippines Open to Expanding Indo-Pacific Cooperation with Like-Minded Nations
In a important move to bolster regional stability, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo announced that the philippines is “open” to expanding its participative or cooperative activities with “like-minded” countries.This initiative aims to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, a strategic maritime area spanning the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
The declaration came during a joint press conference with Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya takeshi on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, held at the Shangri-La The Fort in Taguig City. Manalo emphasized Manila’s willingness to welcome similar trilateral cooperation agreements, akin to its existing partnerships with the United States and Japan.
“Our pursuit of any collaborative endeavor within our region is really meant to be inclusive. Simply put, any of our arrangements as far as the Philippines is concerned are open to any like-minded countries who share our vision of a commitment to the rule of law as well as free and open Indo-Pacific,” Manalo told the media.
He added, “So, therefore, based on that principle, we, of course, are open to participation or cooperative activity that any country in the region or outside the region wish to undertake with us or a group of countries in the region.”
When asked about the possibility of South Korea joining the US-Japan-Philippines trilateral cooperation, Manalo reiterated Manila’s and tokyo’s commitment “to pursue our efforts at various types of cooperation with other countries.” He also highlighted ongoing activities with Australia and other regional nations, as well as “other types of arrangements.”
For his part, Iwaya reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Philippines and furthering its partnership with the United States under the incoming Trump management. “Japan would continue going forward to work with the Philippines in bolstering our bilateral and multilateral cooperation in realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific based on rule of law,” he stated.A statement from the Japanese Embassy in Manila provided further details on the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Working Lunch between Manalo and Iwaya. The embassy stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with the US “amid the increasingly severe strategic environment in the region.” It also cited Iwaya’s “desire to work more closely together to address the regional and international challenges toward the realization of a ‘free and Open Indo-Pacific’.”
The two officials agreed to deepen ties in the areas of security and economy, especially through japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) and Official Development Assistance (ODA) to improve the Philippines’ maritime security and coast guard capabilities. They also confirmed plans to proceed with the procedures for the entry into force of the reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which will allow Japanese defense forces in the country. This agreement is similar to the Philippines’ Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the US.
Additionally, Manalo and Iwaya discussed ways to maximize cooperation using Japan’s strengths in infrastructure development, including flood control, climate change, and telecommunications—priorities of the Marcos administration.
Key Highlights of the Philippines-Japan Cooperation
Table of Contents
| Area of Cooperation | Details |
|——————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Security | Official Security Assistance (OSA) to enhance maritime and coast guard capabilities. |
| Economy | Official Development Assistance (ODA) for infrastructure and economic growth. |
| Defense | Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) to allow Japanese defense forces in the Philippines. |
| Infrastructure | Focus on flood control, climate change, and telecommunications. |
This deepening partnership underscores the Philippines’ proactive role in fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific,aligning with its vision of regional stability and economic growth.
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Philippines and Japan strengthen ties: Expanding Indo-Pacific cooperation with Like-Minded Nations
In a significant move to bolster regional stability, the Philippines has announced its openness to expanding cooperative activities with like-minded nations in the Indo-Pacific. Driven by a shared commitment to the rule of law and a free and open region, this initiative marks a proactive step toward ensuring peace and economic growth. To delve deeper into this development, World Today News sits down with Dr. Aiko Nakamura, a renowned expert on Indo-Pacific geopolitics and regional security.
Expanding Regional Cooperation
Senior Editor: Dr. Nakamura, thank you for joining us. The Philippines has expressed its willingness to expand cooperation with like-minded nations in the Indo-Pacific. What does this mean for the region’s geopolitical landscape?
Dr. Nakamura: This is a pivotal moment. By opening its doors to more collaborative efforts, the Philippines is signaling its intent to strengthen regional stability. The Indo-Pacific is a strategic area, and fostering partnerships with nations that share a commitment to the rule of law and openness can create a counterbalance to unilateral actions that threaten peace. it’s a move toward inclusivity and collective security.
US-Japan-Philippines Trilateral Cooperation
Senior Editor: The Philippines already has trilateral cooperation with the US and Japan. How significant is this partnership, and could we see it expand to include other nations, like South Korea?
Dr. Nakamura: The US-Japan-Philippines trilateral cooperation is a cornerstone of regional security. It’s a model of how like-minded nations can work together to address shared challenges. expanding this framework to include South Korea or other regional players would amplify its effectiveness. South Korea, for instance, brings technological expertise and a shared commitment to democratic values, making it a natural fit for such collaborations.
japan’s Role in Strengthening Ties
Senior Editor: Japan has been a key partner for the Philippines,especially in areas like security and infrastructure. What role does Japan play in this broader vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific?
Dr. Nakamura: Japan’s role is multifaceted. Through initiatives like the official Security Assistance (OSA) and Official Development Assistance (ODA), Japan is helping the Philippines enhance its maritime security and economic resilience. The Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) further solidifies defense ties, allowing for greater interoperability between thier forces. Japan’s commitment to infrastructure development, notably in flood control and telecommunications, aligns perfectly with the Philippines’ priorities.
Challenges and Opportunities
senior Editor: What challenges do you foresee in achieving this vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and how can they be addressed?
Dr. Nakamura: The primary challenge is navigating the region’s complex geopolitical dynamics. There are competing interests,and not all nations share the same vision. However, by fostering inclusive partnerships and emphasizing shared values like the rule of law and economic openness, the Philippines and its allies can build a coalition that prioritizes stability and growth. It’s about creating a framework where all stakeholders feel they have a voice and a stake in the region’s future.
The Path Forward
Senior Editor: What’s next for the Philippines in this endeavor, and how do you see this shaping the region in the coming years?
Dr. Nakamura: The Philippines is taking a proactive leadership role, which is crucial. The next steps involve deepening existing partnerships, expanding the network of like-minded nations, and addressing regional challenges like climate change and maritime security. If successful,this initiative could set a precedent for cooperative diplomacy,fostering a more stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. It’s an ambitious but achievable vision, and the Philippines is well-positioned to lead the charge.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Nakamura, for your insights. It’s clear that the Philippines’ approach has the potential to reshape the regional landscape in meaningful ways.
