MANILA — As tensions rise in the West Philippine Sea, experts are calling for greater cooperation among like-minded nations to counter China’s increasingly aggressive actions in the region. This plea was made during a forum on Japan and the Philippines’ strategic cooperation held on Friday by the Stratbase Institute, in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.
University of Tokyo Professor Dr. Shin Kawashima warned that China would continue its assertive operations, including spreading disinformation and engaging in military provocations. He stressed that Beijing’s actions in the West Philippine Sea, the Senkaku Islands, and Taiwan are part of a broader strategy to extend its reach beyond the First Island Chain.
“China will not stop their operations. Maybe they will slow down temporarily, but in the long term, China’s strategy will not change,” Kawashima said, citing recent incidents such as the China Coast Guard’s laser attacks and water cannon assaults on Philippine vessels in 2024. He also pointed to China’s record number of incursions into Japan’s territorial waters and Taiwan’s airspace in the same year.
Kawashima emphasized that the future intensity of China’s actions will hinge on how the U.S. responds, particularly if a softer approach is taken under the potential return of former President Donald Trump.
The experts also highlighted the importance of strengthening regional alliances, particularly between the Philippines and Japan. Stratbase President Professor Dindo Manhit reiterated the strategic significance of the newly ratified Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the two nations.
“The RAA sends a clear message that the Philippines and Japan will stand firm in the Indo-Pacific. Deepening strategic cooperation is vital for maintaining peace and stability in the region,” Manhit said.
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Enzo Kazuya added that the agreement will usher in a new phase of cooperation, enhancing joint training exercises and sending a strong signal of commitment to regional security.
The RAA is expected to bolster defense ties between the Philippine and Japanese armed forces, allowing both to engage in more advanced military exercises with the U.S.
The call for increased collaboration comes as experts predict China will persist in its aggressive tactics, requiring a unified regional response to safeguard territorial integrity and uphold international law in the Indo-Pacific.
