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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Philippines, Japan to deepen defense, maritime cooperation during Marcos State Visit

Philippines, Japan to deepen defense, maritime cooperation during Marcos State Visit

Published May 25, 2026 12:05 pm

At A Glance

  • President Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae are expected to tackle deeper defense and maritime cooperation during the Philippine leader's state visit to Japan.
  • Manila wants stronger operational collaboration, defense equipment transfer, and full implementation of existing defense agreements with Tokyo.
  • The two countries are also expected to discuss energy security, trade, investments, and regional issues.
File photos
File photos

The Philippines and Japan are expected to deepen defense and maritime cooperation during President Marcos’ upcoming State Visit to Tokyo, with Manila seeking stronger operational collaboration and support for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

During a pre-departure briefing in Malacañang on Monday, May 25, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Spokesperson Analyn Ratonel said President Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae are expected to discuss cooperation in security, maritime affairs, and defense during the May 26 to 29 visit.

“Gusto nating mapagtatag or deeper ang collaboration natin on operational cooperation in maritime and security areas (We want to establish or deepen our collaboration on operational cooperation in maritime and security areas),” Ratonel said.

“Kasama na dito ang information sharing, ang pag-collaborate po ng ating defense agencies, and ang transfer po ng defense equipment (This includes information sharing, collaboration between our defense agencies, and the transfer of defense equipment),” she added.

According to the DFA, the two leaders are also expected to discuss the implementation of key defense agreements between Manila and Tokyo.

These include the Reciprocal Access Agreement signed in 2024 and the January 2026 agreement concerning the reciprocal provision of supplies and services between the AFP and Japan Self-Defense Forces.

Ratonel said the agreements serve as the “logistical backbone” for joint military training, operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response efforts between the two countries.

She added that the Philippines also wants continued Japanese support for AFP modernization initiatives.

Energy, economy

Apart from defense and security, Marcos and Takaichi are expected to tackle energy resilience, decarbonization, trade, investments, and human resources cooperation.

Ratonel said the State Visit may also produce new agreements involving defense, trade and investment, and human resources.

She added that discussions would include Japan’s “Power Asia” initiative, a $10-billion program intended to help Asian countries strengthen long-term energy supply and diversify energy sources.

“Kaya po ang Pangulo — gusto natin makipagtulungan sa Japan para mas mapalawak pa ang renewable energy ng bansa (That is why the President wants to cooperate with Japan to further expand the country’s renewable energy sector),” Ratonel said.

Regional issues

The DFA also said the two leaders are expected to discuss regional and global issues affecting both countries, including developments within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Indo-Pacific security challenges, and the ongoing Middle East crisis.

The State Visit marks Marcos’ first official state visit to Japan since assuming office.

The Philippines and Japan are also commemorating the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations this year.

During the trip, Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are expected to be received by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace.

“Their Majesties will also host a state banquet in honor of the President and the First Lady,” Ratonel said.

“During their audience, the First Couple and the Imperial Couple will mutually confer and exchange decorations,” she added.

The President is also scheduled to meet Japanese business groups and members of the Filipino community in Japan.

Related Tags

PH-Japan DFA State Visit defense cooperation President Marcos Bongbong Marcos
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