The Philippines welcomes Japan's enactment of new security laws.

Radio Free Asia (RFI) reported that immediately after the Japanese Senate passed the defense and security bill on September 19, the Philippine government welcomed the event.

In a statement, Philippine Foreign Minister Albert del Rosario expressed his pleasure that the bill had been passed by Japan.

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

He said, “The Philippines welcomes the Japanese Parliament’s passage of the national security law. We look forward to strengthening our strategic partnership with Japan, and seeking to contribute to further consolidating our shared goal of building peace, stability, and common prosperity in the international community.”

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