Philippines welcomes Japan's new security law

RFI reported that immediately after the Japanese Senate passed the security and defense bill on September 19, the Philippine government welcomed this event.

In a statement, Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario expressed his delight at the bill's passage in Japan.

Philippine Foreign Minister Albert del Rosario. Photo: AFP/VNA

“The Philippines welcomes the passage of the national security legislation by the Japanese Parliament. We look forward to strengthening our strategic partnership with Japan, as well as seeking to further strengthen our shared goal of building peace, stability and shared prosperity in the international community,” he said.

Japan has become a strategic partner of the Philippines, second only to the United States, with which it has a defense treaty. Manila and Tokyo have strengthened their strategic alliance in the face of China's increasingly aggressive stance in asserting its sovereignty over disputed areas in the South China Sea.

During Philippine President Aquino's official visit to Japan last June, the two countries issued a joint statement on strengthening their strategic partnership, agreeing to begin negotiations to exchange defense equipment, conduct more military exercises and ensure “maritime safety and security” in the South China Sea.

According to Vietnam+