Japan and Philippines to start talks on 2 defense pacts in the face of China’s growing aggression

Tension is rising around Taiwan, so Japan is going on the diplomatic attack. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba visited Vietnam and the Philippines successively this week, where he made defense agreements to strengthen the resilience of both countries. The visit comes shortly after Chinese President Xi Jinping's tour. No coincidence, by building strategic partnerships in Southeast Asia, Tokyo wants to create a regional defense belt against China's gr…

Indonesia parliament set to ratify sea boundary with Vietnam, lawmaker says

JAKARTA - Indonesia's parliament is set to agree next week to ratify an agreement made with Vietnam that sets the boundaries of their exclusive economic zones in the contested South China Sea, a lawmaker said on Thursday. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Japan’s Southeast Asia diplomacy ramps up as Ishiba courts Hanoi and Manila

Ishiba’s visits follow Chinese President Xi Jinping’s own tour of the region, reflecting a broader competition for influence.

China asks Japan to 'follow path of peaceful development' as Tokyo seeks stronger security ties with Philippines

Beijing says ‘exchanges and cooperation between countries should not target any third party or harm their interests’ - Anadolu Ajansı

Japan, Philippines agree to begin talks for security pacts

MANILA (Kyodo) -- The leaders of Japan and the Philippines agreed Tuesday on the start of discussions to pave the way for key security pacts, aiming t

Ishiba urges PH-Japan cooperation amid East, South China Sea tensions

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru expressed opposition to any attempts to alter the status quo in the East and South China Seas, urging for continued cooperation between Tokyo and Manila.