Japan is rolling out the red carpet for Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his four-day state visit, which concludes Thursday. The exceptional hospitality includes a palace banquet, a prestigious national award, and a clear signal that Tokyo sees Manila as a key defense partner and major arms customer amid rising concerns over China's military activity in Asia.
High-Level Meetings and Awards
Marcos was greeted by Emperor Naruhito, who bestowed upon him the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum. On Thursday, Marcos is scheduled to hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, expected to yield statements further strengthening defense and weapons cooperation. Speaking to Japanese lawmakers on Wednesday, Marcos emphasized that elevating ties reflects an "exceptional level of trust" between the two nations.
Focus on China
Both countries have China firmly in mind as they tighten their military relationship. The United States hopes this partnership will act as a bulwark against Beijing's ambitions in the East and South China Seas, as well as its designs on Taiwan, the self-governing island China claims as its own.
Arms Sales: A New Era
Marcos is the first potential major customer of Japanese arms since Takaichi’s government scrapped a ban on lethal weapons exports in April. This policy shift marks a break from Japan’s postwar pacifist stance as the nation accelerates its military buildup. The two nations have agreed to pursue negotiations on the sale of multiple Abukuma-class destroyers and Japanese navy TC-90 training aircraft. Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who observed joint live-fire exercises with his Japanese counterpart earlier this month, also expressed interest in Type-88 surface-to-ship missiles.
Japanese officials note that Marcos’ state visit also coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries and the Philippines’ presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year.
Military Intelligence Sharing
Marcos and Takaichi are also expected to arrange formal talks aimed at achieving a military intelligence sharing pact. This would enable closer communication and help tighten trilateral military cooperation with the United States, their mutual ally, Japanese officials said. Japan has already provided a set of five coastal surveillance radars to the Philippines as part of official security assistance, and intelligence-sharing would enhance reconnaissance cooperation.
Long-Term Strategic Goals
Japan wants to strengthen its partnership with the Philippines beyond Marcos’ presidency, which ends in 2028, to avoid what it sees as flip-flopping on China policy by some previous Philippine governments. Marcos has taken a hard-line stance against China over maritime disputes in the South China Sea. During his tenure, the Philippines and Japan have rapidly bolstered their security ties bilaterally and trilaterally with the U.S. In 2024, they signed a pact allowing their forces to smoothly visit each other’s country for joint military drills, paving the way for Japan to deploy 1,400 military personnel as regular participants in joint exercises. This year, they signed a separate defense pact enabling tax-free provision of ammunition, fuel, food, and other necessities during joint training.
Energy Security and Oil Reserves
During the state visit, Marcos and Takaichi are also set to discuss energy cooperation and a Japan-initiated multinational funding framework announced in April. This framework aims to help Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, stabilize oil reserves through financial assistance for building necessary infrastructure, as they struggle with the fallout from the Iran war that has halted oil transports through the Strait of Hormuz.
