• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

PH supports Japanese initiatives to ensure regional peace

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno
March 21, 2025, 2:15 pm

MANILA -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday expressed the country's support for the Japan Self-Defense Forces' (JSDF) initiatives to prevent any attempt to destabilize peace and security in the East and South China Sea.

"Secretary Teodoro conveyed the Philippines' full support to initiatives of the JSDF to deter any attempt to destabilize peace and security over the East China Sea and South China Sea," DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

Teodoro, in his meeting with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) chief of staff, Admiral Saito Akira, during the latter's courtesy call on March 19.

Teodoro also highlighted the importance of strategic communication to counter false narratives and the propaganda of China in the region.

Andolong said this also includes efforts to uphold the spirit of human rights and international law.

He said that in welcoming the Japanese naval official, Teodoro built on the positive outcomes of his meeting with Japan Defense Minister Nakatani Gen in February.

"The SND (Secretary of National Defense) welcomed the visit to the Philippines of Admiral Saito to concretize bilateral initiatives in strengthening cooperation in maritime security," he said.

Andolong also said that Saito briefed Teodoro on the outcomes of his meeting with Philippine Navy Chief, Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, where the two naval officials agreed to "advance engagements in key areas, including high-level exchanges, equipment transfer, and military exercises upon the entry into force of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA)."

"Moreover, Secretary Teodoro reiterated the Philippines' commitment to maintain the positive momentum of defense cooperation with Japan while awaiting the full implementation of the RAA.

He also expressed support for the development of Japan's defense industries and emphasized the significance of cooperation and possible co-production with Japan to bolster the Philippines' defense capabilities and industry, Andolong said. (PNA)