TOKYO—The leaders of Japan and the Philippines agreed Wednesday to cooperate in promoting regional peace and stability, and acknowledged the importance of their alliances with the U.S., although a joint statement focused largely on Japan’s contribution to Philippine maritime security and other projects totaling a 21 billion yen ($210 million) loan.
In a news conference, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, after his first round of talks with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, said he expected Japan to continue being an important part of maritime security in the region, including the South China Sea, where Manila and Beijing have overlapping claims.
There, they did not mention their security alliances with the U.S. But in a statement issued later, the two sides acknowledged the importance of “their network of friendship and alliances,” particularly one between them. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Koichi Hagiuda told reporters that their alliances with the U.S. were recognized, though not in writing.
Duterete, in his second round of talks only among close aides, reassured Abe that he has no intention to severe diplomatic ties with the U.S., Hagiuda said.
Since Duterte took office in June, Manila’s relationship with Washington has quickly become strained.
Japan is a staunch U.S. ally and hosts 50,000 American troops, while Duterte has repeatedly spoken of distancing his country from Washington, often in crude terms.
