Tokyo and Manila Strengthen Intelligence Cooperation

Japanese and Filipino governments are expected to announce their intention to formally negotiate an intelligence-sharing security pact, as a new step to strengthen cooperation amid mutual concerns over China’s military activities. During a meeting in Tokyo on Thursday (28 May), Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr are set to agree on elevating their bilateral relations to a ‘comprehensive strategic partnership’, according to Japanese government sources. The partnership is considered the second highest level of bilateral ties after a formal alliance. Japan has previously established similar partnerships with several Southeast Asian nations, including Malaysia, Vietnam, and Laos. Takaichi and Marcos are scheduled to hold a joint press conference after the meeting and issue a joint statement, sources said.Both Japan and the Philippines, close allies of the United States, have been increasing their security collaboration in recent years, aligning with Tokyo’s promotion of a free and open Indo-Pacific amid China’s growing maritime assertiveness in the region. Beijing claims the Senkaku Islands, controlled by Tokyo in the East China Sea, as well as virtually the entire South China Sea, where Chinese coastguard vessels have been accused of aggressive actions against Philippine ships near disputed waters. The planned intelligence pact between Japan and the Philippines is known as the General Security of Military Information Agreement ( GSOMIA ), which requires both nations to protect shared military secrets from leaks. Japan already has similar bilateral agreements with Australia, South Korea, and the United States. In January, Tokyo and Manila signed acquisition and cross-servicing agreement to facilitate the exchange of defence supplies. Additionally, a reciprocal access agreement, allowing faster deployment of troops for joint exercises and disaster relief operations, has been in effect since lastSeptember. The Philippines is also a recipient of Japan’s Official Security Assistance Programme, which provides defence equipment to like-minded partner nations since its launch in the 2023 fiscal year.Both countries, heavily reliant on Middle Eastern oil imports, face similar challenges in maintaining energy security amid global disruptions following the US-Israel-Iran conflict that began in lateFebruary. Marcos’ four-day state visit to Japan until Friday (29 May) coincides with Tokyo and Manila commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations this year. Ahead of the summit with Takaichi, Marcos addressed the Japanese parliament, stating that both nations ’ remain steadfast in their commitment to uphold international law ’ in the increasingly complex Indo-Pacific region, where tensions test the resilience of the rules-based order. ‘Let us strive to be an example of strategic collaboration that inspires a path to peace, shared opportunities for mutual prosperity, and the harnessing of new possibilities that benefit our nations, peoples, and the wider Indo-Pacific region,’ he said. ( Ant / P-3 )