TOKYO – President Marcos yesterday called for enhanced defense cooperation and partnerships bound by shared values, saying the present era of disruptions and geopolitical tensions is not a time for retreat but for a “deeper engagement” with like-minded parties.
In remarks delivered during a meeting with the Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League here, Marcos said recent developments have shown that the world cannot afford to have waterways disrupted or placed at risk, given their vital role in sustaining global trade, energy flows and economic stability.
“These realities underscore the importance of strengthening our defense and security cooperation,” the President said.
According to him, the Philippines reaffirms the importance of the centrality and unity of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in shaping a regional architecture that is “open, inclusive and rules-based.”
On the bilateral level, the Philippines’ cooperation with Japan continues to be guided by shared outlook, values and responsibilities as maritime democracies, Marcos added.
“Like Japan, the Philippines believes that maritime security is an essential pillar of a free, open and inclusive region,” the Chief Executive said.
Marcos said the two countries’ collaboration in defense is operationalized through agreements such as the Reciprocal Access Agreement and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement.
Both the Philippines and Japan are embroiled in longstanding disputes with China, whose aggressive actions in disputed areas have raised concerns among its neighbors.
The Philippines and China’s maritime row involve portions of the South China Sea, a strategic sea lane where over $5 trillion in shipments passes through every year. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims in the resource-rich area.
In 2016, a Hague-based arbitral court voided China’s maritime claim and affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone, but Beijing refused to recognize the ruling.
Japan also has a row with China over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.
Marcos did not mention China in his speech, but in a media interview before arriving here, he pointed out that Japan and the Philippines have common experiences when it comes to “coercive acts.”
In the same speech, Marcos said the international system is undergoing a
“profound transformation,” with regions seeing “increasing geopolitical tensions,
disruptions in supply chains and mounting pressures on the rules-based international order.”
“In such an environment, the importance of trusted partnerships that are anchored in shared values, mutual respect and adherence to international law has never been more evident,” the President said.
Marcos gets highest Japan honor
President Marcos was conferred Japan’s highest honor during his state call on the Imperial Couple yesterday, which featured not just the usual military honors, but also instrumental renditions of traditional Ilocano songs.
Marcos received the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, Japan’s highest decoration usually given to foreign heads of state, royalty and distinguished leaders for exceptional service and contributions to Japan. The award was established in 1876 by Emperor Meiji.
First Lady Liza Marcos, who joined Marcos during the state call on Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace, was bestowed the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown. The decoration is traditionally bestowed to female members of foreign royal families and high-ranking women dignitaries during state visits.
The Philippines reciprocated by awarding the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Supremo or Grand Collar on Emperor Naruhito and the Order of Gabriela Silang on Empress Masako. The Supremo or Grand Collar rank is given to a former or incumbent head of state or of government while the Order of Gabriela Silang is conferred upon the spouses of heads of state or government, both Filipino and foreign.
Malacañang described the state call as the “highlight” of Marcos’ four-day state visit here.
Meanwhile, the President urged Filipinos in Tokyo Tuesday not to forget their heritage while embracing Japanese culture, calling them the “torch bearers” of the Philippines’ future ties with Japan.
During a meeting with the Filipino community, Marcos cited the need to be “masters of the art of integration” to thrive in Japan, including respecting local laws, embracing its culture and learning its language.