MANILA – The Philippines and Japan both expressed “serious concern” over “dangerous” and “escalatory” actions by China at Second Thomas Shoal, also called Ayungin Shoal, during the Second Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting (2 + 2) last June 8, 2024.
In a joint press release on the outcome of the meeting, both countries believed that China’s recent actions against Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and military vessels undergoing lawful humanitarian missions near the Ayungin Shoal has contributed to increasing tensions in the region.
“The Ministers underscored their unwavering commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight consistent with UNCLOS and expressed serious concern over the dangerous and escalatory actions by China at Second Thomas Shoal, which obstructed freedom of navigation and disrupted supply lines, thus increasing tensions,” the statement read.
The Philippines then expressed its appreciation for Japan’s consistent support on various incidents which is believed to constitute a “destabilizing conduct.”
Because of this, the Philippines and Japan decided to continue coordination in promoting “the adherence to international law, in particular UNCLOS, and through various related initiatives, and called on China to abide by the final and legally-binding 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea.
Beefing up PH security and defense cooperation with Japan
During the Ministerial meeting, the Philippines conveyed its appreciation for Japan’s decision to grant aid for coastal surveillance radar systems under the “Official Security Assistance (OSA)”, which is expected to enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“This is a testament to the positive developments on security and defense cooperation between the two countries. In this light, the Philippines also looks forward to further cooperation with Japan under this year’s OSA,” the joint statement read.
“To address law enforcement and security challenges both countries face, the Ministers decided to continue cooperation on strengthening maritime and air domain awareness, including with other like-minded states,” the statement added.
As one of the highlights of the 2 + 2 Ministerial Meeting, both countries witnessed the signing of the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), calling it a historic milestone in overall bilateral defense cooperation between the Philippines and Japan, and confirming that the agreement will elevate the two countries’ defense partnership.
The ceremonial signing of the RAA will enable forces from both Japan and the Philippines to undergo training and joint exercises.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. witnessed the signing of the RAA after the joint courtesy call with Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and Defense Minister Kihara Minoru at the Malacanang Palace last Monday.
The RAA was initially discussed during the Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting last April 2022 at the "2 + 2" meeting.
The first formal negotiation was led by the Department of National Defense (DND) together with the DFA and the Department of Justice (DOJ), which was held in Tokyo in November 2023.
(Photo courtesy of Embassy of Japan in the Ph)
Earlier, the Loan Agreement for the acquisition of five (5) new multi-role response vessels (MRRV) for the PCG was signed in a ceremony attended by officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Department of Finance (DOF).
According to the Embassy of Japan in Manila, this is Phase III of the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project for the Philippine Coast Guard (MSCIP).
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines ENDO Kazuya attended the signing ceremony held at the DOF office.
"I expect that the construction of five new multi-role response vessels (MRRV) should be started and completed as soon as possible. By handover of those vessels to the PCG, we hope to contribute even more to maintaining a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region,” Endo said.
Last May 2024, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Embassy of Japan signed the Exchange of Notes in a ceremony attended by DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo and Japanese Ambassador ENDO.
The signed Exchange of Notes will finance the provision of an additional five 97m class multi-role response vessels for the PCG, with a maximum loan amount of JPY 64.5 billion and an interest rate of 0.3% per annum (with 0.2% per annum for consulting services) and a repayment period of 40 years, including a 10-year grace period.
