Japan, Philippines Deepen Security Ties, Call for Peace Across Taiwan Strait

The two countries also stated their opposition to coercion in the East and South China Seas and backed expanded defense and maritime cooperation.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hosts a summit with Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. during his state visit to Japan on May 28, 2026. Japan Cabinet Public Affairs Office

Japan and the Philippines deepened security ties during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Tokyo, calling for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, placing cross-strait stability inside a broader statement on maritime security, defense cooperation, and regional order.

The joint statement followed a May 28 summit between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Marcos, who visited Japan as the two countries marked 70 years of diplomatic relations. The leaders decided to elevate bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, according to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.