By Robina Asido

The leaders of Philippines and Japan agreed to work closely to promote transfer of defense equipment from Tokyo as Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed his nation's commitment to assist the capability development of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

According to the joint statement, "Prime Minister Takaichi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to contributing to the capacity building of the AFP, especially in the maritime area."

It stated that "the two leaders decided to continue closely working together to further promote the transfer of defense equipment, including destroyers, TC-90 and radar systems, with the Agreement concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and the Official Security Assistance (OSA) in mind."

In a statement issued on Friday, AFP spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, retired Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said that "the AFP warmly welcomes" the commitment made by Takaichi to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to enhance defense cooperation through the provision of military equipment and technology.

"This defense partnership augurs well w/ the ongoing Horizon 3 modernization program and aligns perfectly with our Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC)," he said.

"As a maritime nation, upgrading our maritime domain awareness (MDA) and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) capabilities is a necessity," he added.

The joint statement of Japan and Philippines also stressed that both leaders are also looking "forward to advancing defense industry collaboration, noting that this would support the development of mutually beneficial industrial capabilities, enhance supply chain resilience, and contribute to interoperability and long-term defense readiness."

"In this context, the Philippines welcomed Japan’s newly revised Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology as well as its Implementation Guidelines, and they confirmed that these efforts also contribute to regional peace and stability," the statement noted.

Trinidad also mentioned that "the AFP views the (Japan-Self Defense) JSDF not only as a regional neighbor but as a like-minded strategic partner dedicated to maintaining a free, open and rules- based Indo-Pacific."

"This cooperation underscores our shared commitment to international law, specifically the 1982 UNCLOS, ensuring peace and stability in the region," he added. PHS