Japan Plans Naval Exercises with Philippines
Admiral Tomoshisa Takei, chief of staff of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is holding high-level talks with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) concerning the mounting maritime tension in the West Philippine Sea and other security concerns within the Asia-Pacific region.
He discussed concerns on maritime domain awareness and challenges” in the South China Sea with the Armed Forces of the Philippines deputy chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Virgilio Doming. The two senior officers discussed concerns on maritime domain awareness and other challenges in the West Philippine Sea.
They also expressed mutual interests in conducting bilateral naval exercises and disaster response operations in the future.
Like the Philippines on the South China Sea, Japan is embroiled in territorial disputes with China over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.
Takei's visit is aimed at exploring "possible navy-to-navy interactions under the framework of the new memorandum on defense cooperation and exchanges between" the defense ministries of the Philippines and Japan signed in late January.
Admiral Takei also had a meeting with Philippine Defense Undersecretary Honorio Azcueta and Philippine Navy chief Vice Adm. Jesus Millan.
