Japan and the Philippines, however, have steadily deepened defense and security ties largely due to concerns over Chinese aggression in the region. Associated Press journalists Joeal Calupitan and Aaron Favila contributed to this report.

The two ministers tackled regional security issues, including the maritime situation in the East and South China Seas

The Philippine and Japanese governments reassured each other of their robust security alliance when the two countries' defense secretaries met in Manila

Tokyo, Manila to establish ‘strategic dialogue,’ move toward defense equipment, technology cooperation - Anadolu Ajansı

Japan and the Philippines agreed on Monday to further deepen defence ties in the face of an "increasingly severe" security environment in the Indo-Pacific region, Japanese defence minister Gen Nakatani said on Monday.

Japan and the Philippines strengthen defense ties against China's aggression, focusing on military cooperation and information protection mechanisms.

Japan and the Philippines agreed on Monday to further deepen defense ties in the face of an “increasingly severe” security environment in the Indo-Pacific region, Japanese defense minister Gen Nakatani said on Monday.