Japan and the Philippines are boosting their defense links as China’s bold moves in the area cause more worry. Japanese Defense Minister General Nakatani met with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro in Manila today. They agreed to strengthen their military teamwork. They talked about doing more joint training having more ships visit each other’s ports, and sharing more military info. Nakatani also said they’d start talks on how to protect shared military secrets. Both countries close friends of the US, have criticized China’s actions in the South China Sea and East China Sea.
Japan has argued with China for a long time over some islands in the East China Sea. It has spent twice as much on defense and made stronger security bonds with countries like Australia and the UK. Meanwhile Chinese and Philippine coast guard and navy ships have clashed more and more in the South China Sea over the last two years.
