Philippines, Japan pledge to bolster defence cooperation

The Philippines and Japan have agreed to bolster national defence ties through joint training activities and defence equipment collaboration within their strategic partnership.

Wednesday, April 17, 2019 20:41

Philippines, Japan pledge to bolster defence cooperation ảnh 1

Minister of Defence of Japan Takeshi Iwaya (R) shakes hands with Philippine Secretary of National Defence Delfin Lorenzana (Photo: Kyodo/VNA)

Tokyo (VNA) – The Philippines andJapan have agreed to bolster national defence ties through joint trainingactivities and defence equipment collaboration within their strategicpartnership.

During talks with Philippine Secretary ofNational Defence Delfin Lorenzana on April 17, Minister of Defence of JapanTakeshi Iwaya said the bilateral defence cooperation has been strengthened invarious fields, adding that Japan looks to support the Philippines in naturaldisaster relief work and improvement of the early warning system for theSoutheast Asian nation.

In reply, Lorenzana, who is paying a visitto Japan, voiced his hope that the two countries will further strengthen thestrategic partnership as Japan is about to have a new emperor.

At the talks, the two defence officialsagreed to continue the participation of the Japan Self-Defence Forces and thePhilippine military forces in joint exercises with the US armed forces in the EastSea.

Meanwhile, Japan will provide technicalsupport and defence equipment for the Philippines, as well as facilitate itsarmed forces to enhance capacity of naval, ground and air forces.

The two sides also affirmed that Japan's largest naval vessel JS Izumo will visit the Subic port of the Philippines thisJuly. -VNA

VNA

#Philippines-Japan strategic partnership #defence cooperation #natural disaster relief work #early warning system #Japan Self-Defence Forces #vietnamplus #Vietnam News Agency Japan Philippines

See more

Malaysia’s growing microplastics crisis is largely self-inflicted, driven by domestic waste, weak recycling practices and everyday plastic use, said experts. (Photo: New Straits Times)

Malaysia seeks solutions to microplastic crisis

20/04/2026 18:44

Microplastics originating from domestic waste and wastewater are increasingly entering the food chain, posing serious threats to seafood safety and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Thailand promotes low-emission vehicles with planned trade-in scheme

20/04/2026 17:32

Thailand’s government is preparing to launch a car trade-in scheme later this year to encourage motorists to switch to electric and hybrid vehicles, as part of efforts to promote environmentally friendly transport.

Armed Forces of the Philippines service members synchronise communications equipment and refine standard operating procedures in preparation for Exercise Balikatan 2026 in Manila, Philippines, April 8, 2026. (Photo: US Marine Corps)

US, Philippines, Japan launch joint Balikatan military drills

20/04/2026 17:06

Thousands of troops from the US and the Philippines, joined for the first time by Japanese forces, on April 20 began the annual Balikatan (“Shoulder to Shoulder”) military exercises, which will run for 19 days.

Malaysia considers purchasing oil from Russia to secure domestic supply

20/04/2026 16:26

The PM said that Malaysia’s relations with Russia remain good. “So, in the current situation, our team, including Petronas, can negotiate with Russia to meet part of our needs as a friendly nation," Anwar said.

The new mass emergency alert system SG Alert, which will be used during emergencies such as major fires, chemical or terror incidents, seen on an Apple and Android device on Apr 17, 2026. (Photo: CNA)

Singapore launches new national emergency alert system

19/04/2026 22:10

SG Alert in Singapore uses cell broadcast technology, enabling alerts to be delivered within seconds without requiring mobile data or collecting personal information. Unlike conventional SMS, which may be delayed during network congestion or depend on internet connectivity, the system ensures fast and reliable message delivery. Alerts can be sent islandwide or targeted to specific affected areas.

A serious fire destroys more than 200 homes in a coastal village in Malaysia’s Sabah state, located in the northern part of Borneo Island. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Fire destroys over 200 homes in Malaysia, hundreds evacuated

19/04/2026 17:18

Hundreds of people have been evacuated after a serious fire destroyed more than 200 homes in a coastal village in Malaysia’s Sabah state, located in the northern part of Borneo Island, authorities said on April 19.

Myanmar carries out large-scale amnesty

18/04/2026 21:03

Myanmar authorities have granted amnesty to 4,335 prisoners and also reduced the sentence of former State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

Erawan Shrine is a Hindu shrine located in front of Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel at the Ratchaprasong intersection on Ratchadamri Road in Lumphini Sub-district, Pathum Wan district, Bangkok. (Photo: tourismthailand.org)

Thai tourism firms face mounting debt burden amid energy crisis

18/04/2026 06:25

Tourism operators in Thailand are calling for clearer government policies to ease mounting debt burdens and support SMEs as rising energy costs erode purchasing power and strain business operations.

Malaysia establishes ‘war room’ to ensure water security

18/04/2026 05:13

The establishment of the war room reflects the Malaysian government’s commitment to shift from a reactive approach to a more proactive, data-driven one in managing national water challenges, particularly amid increasingly unpredictable weather conditions caused by global climate change

Indonesia diversifies supply sources to ensure energy security

18/04/2026 04:48

Indonesia is facing significant supply pressure as crude oil consumption reaches approximately 1.6 million barrels per day, much lower than the domestic production at only around 600,000 barrels per day, forcing the country to rely heavily on imports.

The talks between General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping and his Vietnamese counterpart To Lam in Beijing on April 15, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam always a priority in China's neighbourhood diplomacy: Chinese media

17/04/2026 21:13

The People's Daily said the leadership of a communist party is the most essential feature and biggest strength of socialism, adding that safeguarding the socialist system and the Parties' leadership role is the largest shared strategic interest of both sides.

The Strait of Malacca as seen from Malaysia (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Three Southeast Asian nations pledge to safeguard vital Malacca shipping lane

17/04/2026 17:53

As global trade becomes increasingly dependent on strategic maritime routes, the commitment by Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore is expected to play an important role in ensuring supply chain stability and strengthening regional and global maritime security.

Malaysian Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil (Photo: The Edge Malaysia)

Malaysia to tighten social media for children below 16

17/04/2026 14:15

The Malaysian Government plans to impose restrictions on social media account access for children under the age of 16, as part of efforts to strengthen online protection.

Indonesian-branded cosmetic and personal care products are available at supermarkets and shopping malls (Photo: VNA)

Indonesia aims to master cosmetics industry value chain

17/04/2026 12:32

Key drivers include its large population, expanding middle class, and rapidly rising demand for beauty products, especially among young consumers. The market has reached billions of US dollars and is projected to maintain strong growth in the medium term.