Japan urges calm in South China Sea, strengthens ties with Philippines

Japan voiced concern over South China Sea tensions, opposing unilateral actions. Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya pledged stronger security ties with the Philippines and deeper trilateral cooperation with the US under the Trump administration.

Japan’s foreign minister, Takeshi Iwaya, has raised concerns over tensions in the South China Sea, opposing unilateral attempts to change the status quo. During a visit to the Philippines, he pledged continued development and security support and stronger trilateral ties with the US under the incoming Trump administration.

Iwaya’s visit followed talks between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and outgoing US President Joe Biden, who reaffirmed cooperation in security and technology amid regional tensions. Under Marcos, Philippine-Japanese security ties have deepened, including a military pact allowing troop deployment and Tokyo’s security assistance to Manila.

Without naming China, Iwaya called for easing tensions, citing the South China Sea as a global concern. The Philippines has faced frequent disputes with China over maritime claims. Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo praised Japan as a key partner and reaffirmed commitment to a rules-based regional order.

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