Japan-Philippines Relations

(1) State Minister Kiuchi stated that he hopes to follow-up the outcomes of the state visit by H.E. Mr. Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Philippines, to Japan in June this year, and further strengthen the bilateral relationship. In response, Secretary Del Rosario expressed gratitude for President Aquino’s successful trip to Japan, along with expressing strong appreciation for the deepening bilateral relationship. The two sides shared the view that they will further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.

(2) Additionally, State Minister Kiuchi explained that the reaffirmation of stronger cooperation in the security field during President Aquino’s visit is a major outcome, and stated that he hopes an agreement on the transfer of defense equipment and technology will be concluded promptly. In response, Secretary Del Rosario also expressed strong hopes of progress on defense equipment and technology cooperation.

(3) State Minister Kiuchi stated that the “Cooperation Roadmap for Quality Infrastructure Development in the Transport Sector in Metropolitan Manila Area,” which was announced during President Aquino’s visit, will be steadily implemented as one part of the “Partnership for Quality Infrastructure Development.” In addition, State Minister Kiuchi conveyed a decision to extend approximately 240 billion yen of support for one of the Roadmap’s projects, the North-South Commuter Railway Project (Note). In response, Secretary Del Rosario expressed profound gratitude for support from Japan in connection with infrastructure development, including this latest decision.

(4) Furthermore, regarding the Mindanao peace process, State Minister Kiuchi expressed expectation over progress with the process for establishing a new autonomous political entity, and stated that the Government of Japan is promoting support through the new phase of the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD II).

(1) The two sides also exchanged views on the SouthChina Sea issue.

(2) State Minister Kiuchi expressed grave concerns about unilateral changes to the status quo in the South China Sea, stated that the land reclamation that has taken place thus far should not be recognized as a fait accompli, and expressed his intention to cooperate closely with the Philippines in order to realize the rule of law at sea. Furthermore, State Minister Kiuchi restated Japan’s support for the Philippines’ utilization of an arbitration procedure. In response, Secretary Del Rosario highly appreciated Japan’s position on the South China Sea issue, including the expression of support for the utilization of the arbitration procedure, and explained the Philippines’ strong concerns over the current situation in the South China Sea.

(3) The two sides shared grave concerns over the current situation in the South China Sea, including unilateral actions to change the status quo, and affirmed the importance of the rule of law, along with sharing the view that they will continue to cooperate on regional peace and stability. Additionally, State Minister Kiuchi expressed the view that coastal states should refrain from unilateral actions that would cause a permanent physical change to the marine environment in areas pending final delimitation, and he also explained the latest situation in the East China Sea.