TOKYO, Japan: Amidst regional tensions and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Japan and the Philippines have agreed to further expand their defense cooperation.

During a meeting in Tokyo between their foreign and defense ministers, Japan and the Philippines said they will look at expanding cooperative activity and sharing resources, according to Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi.

Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also attended the meeting.

Japan and the Philippines have been in conflict with China over its conduct in the East and South China Seas, and Russia’s war in Ukraine and North Korea’s missile tests are also issues of mutual concern.

In January 2015, both countries signed an agreement to forge closer defense relations, and have since conducted nearly 20 joint naval drills. In 2021 they also held joint air force exercises.

Japan has transferred defense and technology equipment to the Philippines, helping it expand its patrols where it has territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.

The defense ministers of the two countries also met and agreed to further boost security cooperation by conducting joint exercises.