JUNE 2 (Reuters) — Philippines President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived at Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport on Tuesday (June 2), starting a four-day trip to bolster the two nations’ security ties.
Aquino’s visit is the latest move by the president and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to strengthen security ties between the two nations as Southeast Asian nations face China’s growing naval ambitions.
China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, through which much of Japan’s ship-borne trade passes. The Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims.
Aquino’s trip to Japan follows Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s visit this week, during which the two leaders agreed to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership and to cooperate in defense equipment.
Under Abe’s leadership, Japan last year eased its restrictions on arms exports, and is now seen as the frontrunner to win a contract to supply next generations submarines to Australia.
Tokyo already has agreements on defense equipment and technology transfers with the United States, Britain, Australia and France and a similar pact with Manila is needed to allow it to export to the Philippines. (Tokyo, Japan)