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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP bolsters military ties with US, Japan

AFP bolsters military ties with US, Japan

Published Jul 30, 2025 10:48 am  |  Updated Jul 30, 2025 02:18 pm
(L-R) United States Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Troy E. Meink and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr. shake hands during the former's courtesy visit at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on July 29, 2025. (Photo: AFP)
(L-R) United States Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Troy E. Meink and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr. shake hands during the former's courtesy visit at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on July 29, 2025. (Photo: AFP)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reinforced its security partnerships with the United States and Japan on Tuesday, July 29, through high-level engagements aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, military modernization, and interoperability.
AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. hosted United States Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Troy E. Meink during a courtesy visit at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, and General Yoshihide Yoshida and General Hiroaki Uchikura, outgoing and incoming Chiefs of Staff of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), in a virtual meeting on Tuesday, July 29.
A separate meeting was also held at the Philippine Air Force (PAF) headquarters at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City between Meink and PAF Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Arthur M. Cordura, which further solidified the two nations’ air defense cooperation.
According to the AFP, all parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region during the meetings, sending a message that the three countries hold a united front against coercive actions in disputed waters, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The AFP said that Meink’s visit emphasized the enduring alliance and deepening security cooperation between the Philippines and the United States.
In Meink’s separate discussions with Brawner and Cordura, the AFP and US Air Force explored expanded cooperation in logistics, air defense capabilities, and personnel exchanges.
They also discussed the importance of fast-tracking infrastructure projects under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), especially those critical for strategic mobility and disaster response.
Brawner expressed appreciation for the longstanding support of the United States to the AFP’s modernization and capacity-building efforts while Meink reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to mutual defense and partnership in promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr. (rightmost) speaks to General Yoshihide Yoshida and General Hiroaki Uchikura, outgoing and incoming Chiefs of Staff of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), in a virtual meeting attended by top officials of the AFP at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on July 29, 2025. (Photo: AFP)
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr. (rightmost) speaks to General Yoshihide Yoshida and General Hiroaki Uchikura, outgoing and incoming Chiefs of Staff of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), in a virtual meeting attended by top officials of the AFP at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on July 29, 2025. (Photo: AFP)
Meanwhile, the AFP said that Brawner’s meeting with Generals Yoshida and Uchikura reflected the growing strategic alignment between Japan and the Philippines as both nations emphasized shared values in upholding international law and regional peace.
Brawner lauded Japan’s assistance to the AFP’s capacity-building and maritime domain awareness which, he said, are vital areas in addressing security challenges in the WPS. He expressed optimism that the relationship would further expand under Uchikura’s leadership.
The back-to-back engagements came amid the continued presence of Chinese vessels within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in the WPS.
The Philippine Navy (PN) earlier reported that 23 Chinese vessels were monitored in the WPS from July 21 to 27.
The AFP has repeatedly called attention to the incursions, saying these threaten regional stability and violate international law, particularly the 2016 arbitral ruling favoring the Philippines and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

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AFP United States Japan West Philippine Sea
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