Japan and the Philippines have agreed to set up a framework for high-level dialogue to enhance operational collaboration, such as joint drills, between Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine military.



Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro held talks in Manila on Monday.



Nakatani said at the start of the meeting that defense cooperation is increasingly necessary as international tensions rise. He expressed hope to advance strategic discussions.



The two ministers agreed to promote bilateral defense cooperation in the face of China's increasing military activities in the South and East China seas.



They also agreed to discuss ways to protect their shared military intelligence.



The two sides will also promote cooperation in defense equipment, including the export of a warning and control system from Japan. Tokyo will soon send a public-private team to the Philippines for this purpose.



Nakatani and Teodoro also reaffirmed the importance of coordination with the United States and Australia.



At a joint news conference after the meeting, Nakatani said they agreed to raise bilateral cooperation and collaboration to a new level.



He also said Japan will work for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.