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TOKYO, April 9 (Reuters) – Japan and the Philippines agreed on Saturday to contemplate additional increasing defence cooperation in opposition to a backdrop of regional tensions and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The assembly in Tokyo of the 2 Asian nations’ overseas and defence ministers was the primary within the “2+2” format between the important thing U.S. allies.
The 2 nations will have a look at doubtlessly enhancing cooperative exercise and sharing provides, Japanese Overseas Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi stated after the assembly.
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Tokyo and Manila have been at odds with China over its conduct within the East and South China Seas, whereas Russia’s actions in Ukraine and North Korea’s missile assessments additionally of mutual concern.
Japan and the Philippines signed an settlement to forge nearer defence ties in January 2015 and have since performed almost 20 joint naval drills. In 2021 additionally they held joint air power workout routines.
Japan has additionally transferred defence and know-how gear that would assist the Philippines increase patrols within the South China Sea, the place it has territorial disputes with China.
Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi, Philippine Overseas Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr and Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana additionally attended the assembly.
The defence ministers met on Thursday and agreed to additional increase safety cooperation by conducting joint workout routines.
The two+2 framework with the Philippines is Japan’s ninth such grouping however solely the second in Southeast Asia, after Indonesia.
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Reporting by Elaine Lies and Sam Nussey;
Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Belief Rules.
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