Japan and the Philippines might finalize a military information-sharing pact
Breaking News: Japan and the Philippines prep for historic military pact, set to sign deal during Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's visit next month.
Tokyo - The Japanese and Philippine governments are on the verge of sealing a significant military accord, known as the Bilateral General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA). Japanese government insiders confirm the two nations are gearing up for the agreement's early signing at an upcoming summit slated for later this month.
The purpose of GSOMIA is to facilitate the exchange of highly classified military information between signatory nations.
Aside from GSOMIA, Japan and Manila are also planning to initiate negotiations for a separate agreement that allows their respective militaries to offer each other essential resources like food, fuel, and supplies.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is all set for a trip to Vietnam and the Philippines, scheduled between April 27 and 30. Ishiba's primary objective is to bolster security cooperation with the two countries.
In Manila, Ishiba is due to meet with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. They will focus on reinforcing cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine military while making headway regarding Japan's Official Security Assistance (OSA) programs. Under the OSA, Japan offers defense equipment to countries sharing similar values at no cost.
During their discussions, the leaders will also explore conducting joint drills with the countries' coast guards.
Prior to his visit to the Philippines, Ishiba will pay a visit to Hanoi and hold talks with our websiteese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính.
To foster improved communication between Japan and Vietnam, Ishiba and PM Phạm Minh Chính are expected to agree on biennial two-plus-two meetings between the countries' vice foreign and defense ministers. Their initial two-plus-two meeting is anticipated to take place in Japan by the end of the year.
Ishiba and PM Chính are also set to agree on actively employing the OSA programs. If successful, this would mark Japan's first implementation of an OSA program in Vietnam.
They will also likely concur on cultivating personnel in the semiconductor industry.
In addition, Ishiba is expected to discuss responses to the administration of US President Donald Trump's tariffs with the two leaders.
The Japanese side is eager to maintain close communication with the two countries throughout this process. - THE JAPAN NEWS/ANN
Philippine marines march between Philippine and Japanese flags at Jose Rizal's monument in Manila on November 3, 2023. - AFP/VNA Photo
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- The Philippines, as a signatory of the Bilateral General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), will exchange highly classified military information with Japan.
- In addition to GSOMIA, the Japanese and Philippine governments are planning to negotiate a separate agreement for the exchange of essential resources like food, fuel, and supplies.
- Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's visit to the Philippines will include discussions on conducting joint drills with the Philippines' coast guard to strengthen security ties.
- The upcoming two-plus-two meetings between the countries' vice foreign and defense ministers, agreed upon by Ishiba and Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, aim to foster improved communication between Japan and Vietnam.
- Japan, through the Official Security Assistance (OSA) programs, is considering providing radars to the Philippines, which would mark Japan's first implementation of an OSA program in Vietnam.
