Japan, Philippines Vow To Boost Security Ties Over China Concern

Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya (L) and Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo shake hands after a joint press conference in Manila on January 15, 2025. LISA MARIE DAVID / POOL / AFP

Japan and the Philippines vowed Wednesday to strengthen security cooperation to counter China’s actions in key sea trade routes amid speculation incoming U.S. President Donald Trump could scale back security commitments in Asia.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya met with his Filipino counterpart Enrique Manalo and with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos in Manila to affirm security commitments.

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