China is bringing the Philippines and Japan closer together.

(Baonghean) - Philippine President Benigno Aquino is on a four-day state visit to Japan – his sixth trip since taking office in 2010. Amidst escalating territorial disputes fueled by China's unilateral actions in the East China Sea, particularly the South China Sea, a closer handshake between the Philippines and Japan seems inevitable.

The Philippine President's visit to Japan is considered a very good opportunity for both countries to strengthen and tighten their defense and security relations. Of course, the main reason is to address current common challenges, especially those related to tensions in the South China Sea. China still unilaterally claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, encompassing the waters of neighboring countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Vietnam. Specifically with regard to the Philippines, China is challenging Manila by controlling Scarborough Shoal, which the Philippines claims sovereignty over. More dangerously, China is currently aggressively carrying out large-scale land reclamation and construction of illegal outposts on reefs. Not only the Philippines, but Japan is also embroiled in disputes with China over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea, over which both sides claim sovereignty.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino (left) and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Source: Reuters

From being adversaries during World War II, the emergence of a common enemy, China, has accelerated the rapprochement between Japan and the Philippines. This visit by the Philippine President is a crucial step in this process. Specifically, the highlight of the visit is expected to be the commencement of the transfer of defense equipment from Japan to the Philippines. Analysts believe that Japan's provision of 10 new patrol vessels to the Philippine Coast Guard is an unprecedented move, demonstrating the significant strengthening of Japan-Philippines relations. This event fulfills a commitment made by Japanese Prime Minister Abe during their meeting in July 2013 to provide support, including improving the capabilities of the Philippine coast guard. These 10 patrol vessels will be tasked with monitoring disputed maritime areas.

This move demonstrates Japan's growing partnership with the Philippines, extending beyond just joint naval exercises. Most recently, this included a historic naval exercise in the South China Sea in mid-May, and prior to that, the first-ever anti-piracy drill between the coast guard forces of the two countries.

Observers believe that, although this transfer will not significantly alter the balance of naval power in the South China Sea, specifically between the Philippines and China, it can be considered a crucial step in strengthening the Philippines' capabilities, both in terms of infrastructure and understanding of maritime issues. Furthermore, during this visit, President Aquino and Japanese Prime Minister Abe are expected to discuss maritime disputes in the region in general, and between the two countries and China in particular. Through this, the Philippines will provide Japan with information regarding its lawsuit against China. Clearly, enhancing awareness and understanding of a shared concern is extremely necessary at this time.

Regarding the goal of strengthening cooperation, besides countering the threat from China, both the Philippines and Japan have other reasons. For Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is implementing a "pivot" strategy towards Southeast Asia, and the Philippines is being chosen to assume a key role in this strategy. One testament to this interest in the Southeast Asian nation is Japan's crucial mediating role in the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), ending 40 years of conflict in southern Philippines.

Conversely, joining forces with Japan is a step in the roadmap to strengthen partnerships with regional allies, aiming to enhance the Philippines' defense capabilities. Furthermore, with the Japanese Prime Minister's strategy of using soft power to improve its image in the Asia-Pacific region, the Philippines will inevitably be one of the beneficiaries. Therefore, according to analysts, Japan – the world's third-largest economy – is considered by Philippine President Aquino to be one of the key factors driving Philippine economic growth.

Thus, the "favorable timing, geographical advantages, and human resources" are making the Philippines-Japan relationship closer and more intimate than ever, stemming from reasons related to China as well as the image-enhancing policies and economic development goals of both sides. This can be said to benefit the Philippines, Japan, and the peace, security, and stability of the region.

Phuong Hoa