The Philippines will be the first Southeast Asian country who signed a defense equipment cooperation agreement which will allow Japan to transfer defense equipment and technology, possibly surveillance aircraft, to the country.
In a statement released to the media, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin was quoted as saying “What underpins this agreement is not only our mutual desire to enhance our defensive capabilities, but also to contribute to regional peace and stability,” said Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.
The Philippines and Japan signed the agreement providing for the framework for the transfer of defense equipment to the Philippines. The Philippines was represented by the Defense Secretary while Japan was represented by Japanese Ambassador Kuzuhide Ishikawa.
The Philippines’ defense capability to address security concerns, regional peace and stability will be reinforced by the agreement of the two countries. The Philippines is only the third country to agree with Japan to enter into an agreement.
The agreement between Japan and the Philippines will enhance the pressure to China, aside from the Philippines who is having disputes with China, Japan is also involved in a dispute with China and Taiwan over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.