Japan and the Philippines have agreed to strengthen bilateral security cooperation, with an eye on signing a pact on the provision of supplies and services between the Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine military.



Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. held talks in Manila on Tuesday for about 90 minutes.



Ishiba said the Philippines and Japan are neighbors linked through the sea, and stressed that both are allied with the United States. He said Japan and the Philippines share core values such as the rule of law, and face common challenges in the fields of national security, the economy and natural disaster prevention.



The two leaders talked about situations in the East and South China seas, where China is increasing its maritime assertiveness.



Ishiba and Marcos agreed to oppose attempts to change the status quo unilaterally by force or coercion.



Under their agreement on security cooperation, the two sides will start talks on a pact called the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, or ACSA.



They will also begin talks aimed at signing an information protection agreement to ensure proper protection of sensitive security information between the authorities of the two countries.



The leaders also discussed the possible impact of the US tariff policy on the global economy, as well as the multilateral free trade system.



Ishiba said he will seek a solution while listening to opinions from Japanese firms operating in the Philippines.



He also confirmed with Marcos that their countries will broadly work together, making use of Japan's strength in such fields as communication, energy, infrastructure improvement and disaster prevention.



Ishiba said in a joint conference that Japan and the Philippines are now partners close to "allies." He said he will work to further strengthen ties with his country's important neighbor.



Before meeting with Marcos, he met with people of Japanese descent who were left behind in the confusion of World War Two.



Ishiba said: "It's regrettable and sad that these people remain unable to secure Japanese nationality. I want to express my heartfelt respect to those who till now have regarded themselves as Japanese."



The prime minister also said the Japanese government will work to realize their citizenship and temporary return to Japan as soon as possible.