By Nikkei Asian Review

TOKYO — The defense ministers of Japan and the Philippines agreed here Thursday to boost cooperation on maritime security, a move designed to curb China’s expansion on the seas.

Gen Nakatani and Philippine counterpart Voltaire Gazmin discussed the Chinese navy’s activities in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, as well as the new air defense identification zone declared unilaterally by Beijing. They agreed that all conflicts must be settled in a legal and peaceful manner, and reaffirmed the need for freedom of navigation in international waters and airspace.

They also signed a memorandum of understanding before the meeting on nine specific areas for collaboration, including high-level exchanges and joint exercises. Japan’s Defense Ministry will offer its air transport know-how to the Philippine air force to boost its humanitarian and disaster relief capabilities. They will plan joint exercises between their maritime forces as well, in order to avoid accidental collisions at sea.

Japan and the Philippines will also launch working-level talks for a possible partnership on defense equipment.

Courtesy of Nikkei Asian Review (NAR), © 2015 Nikkei Inc.