Marcos Close to Japan, Indo-Pacific is the Bet

JAKARTA - Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stressed that the Philippines and Japan's relationship is increasingly important for the stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific.

Quoted from the Philippine News Agency, Thursday, May 28, Marcos conveyed this at a state banquet held by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace, Tokyo, Japan.

Marcos said Manila was committed to strengthening its strategic partnership with Tokyo. According to him, cooperation between the two countries is not only important for the Philippines and Japan, but also for the Indo-Pacific region.

"Together, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to peace and a rules-based order governed by international law," Marcos said.

He said that cooperation was important to maintain stability, prosperity, and the dignity of future generations. Marcos also alluded to the position of the Philippines and Japan as maritime democracies.

"The Philippines remains committed to working closely with Japan to leverage an increasingly intense strategic partnership as a force for good, not only for the two countries, but also for the wider Indo-Pacific region," he said.

Marcos described the Philippines-Japan relationship that has been going on for more than seven decades as one of the most vibrant and forward-looking partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

Cooperation between the two countries now extends to many fields. Not only economics and development, but also maritime security, humanitarian response, and regional stability.

Marcos also highlighted cooperation in the fields of energy and food security, space, digital transformation, new technologies, climate action, and innovation.

For the Philippines, Japan is not an ordinary partner. Marcos called Tokyo one of the most valuable partners in development, security, infrastructure, agriculture, connectivity, and resilience in the face of crises.

He also alluded to Filipinos in Japan who he said contributed to the country's society and economy.

Beyond the neatly-worded state address, Marcos' message is easy to read. The Philippines wants Japan to remain a close friend, not only for economic affairs, but also to maintain regional stability.

The Indo-Pacific is now an important space for trade, maritime, energy, technology, and security routes. Therefore, the Philippines-Japan relationship does not stop as a state visit. There are strategic interests that are being guarded.