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The Philippines and the US will hold security talks in Washington on April 11, the first in about seven years, a spokesman of the US Embassy in Manila said on March 20.

President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida agreed to strengthen economic and security cooperation between the two countries.

The Philippine and Japanese defence ministers on April 7 began a ministerial meeting which aims to boost maritime security cooperation.

The fourth meeting of the Japan-Philippines Maritime Dialogue was held on October 22, in a teleconference format.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) conducted a four-day joint drill on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief from July 5.

Many countries in the world have showed serious concerns over China’s recent deployment of over 200 ships around Sinh Ton island cluster in Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago and requested the country to immediately bring these vessels out of the area and end all provocations.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide have agreed to cooperate closely in issues related to the East Sea in the context of China continuing its military buildup in the waters despite the concerns of neighbouring countries.

The Hanoi People’s Committee on October 10 held an award presentation ceremony for winners of an international photo contest themed “Proud of Hanoi” on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the liberation of the capital.

More than 2,000 US and Philippine military personnel, along with a small number of Japanese soldiers, on October 9 began annual combat exercises aimed at responding rapidly to crises and natural disasters and affirming their commitment to keep the region "free and open."

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

The Philippines and Japan have agreed to resume the politic-military and maritime dialogue this year.

The Philippines and Japan on November 25 conducted a joint maritime exercise in waters off the coast of Manila, with the drills focusing on antipiracy and rescue operations.

The Adviser of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Hiroto Izumi, visited the Philippines on November 21 to discuss with the country’s Government officials on a 156 billion JPY (1.38 billion USD) aid to help upgrade transport infrastructure in Manila capital.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have reaffirmed to maintain freedom of navigation in the East Sea, a vital shipping lane for Southeast Asian nations.

The Thai Foreign Trade Department is confident that the country will sell no less than 11 million tonnes of rice to foreigners this year as demand for rice continues to increase.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has called on Japanese firms to pour more investment in infrastructure, agriculture and other sectors in his country.

Both the Philippines and Japan have called on China to respect the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s (PCA) ruling that rejected Beijing’s nine-dash line claims in the East Sea.