Tokyo & Manila launch intelligence-sharing, maritime border talks

The Philippines and Japan agreed on May 28 to begin negotiations on an intelligence-sharing pact and the delimitation of their maritime borders, as the two countries elevated their ties amid China's growing assertiveness in the East and South China seas.



Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr made the announcement in a joint press conference in Tokyo, the highlight of the latter's four-day state visit that itself was a milestone. It was the first state visit by a Philippine leader to Tokyo in over a decade and coincided with the 70th anniversary of the two nations' diplomatic relations.



"We jointly announced the commencement of the negotiation for the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), as well as for the delimitation of our maritime borders," Mr Marcos said. "These are very important steps to further strengthen our defence cooperation and to uphold a rules-based maritime order."



Ms Takaichi said the two countries had also agreed to accelerate talks on the transfer of Abukuma-class destroyer escort vessels and other defence equipment to Manila.