Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Philippine President Benigno Aquino agreed on Thursday to start negotiations on an accord for the transfer of defense equipment and technology, as the two nations bolster security ties amid heightened concerns over Beijing’s increasing assertiveness at sea, reports Reuters.
The two leaders also shared “serious concern on unilateral actions to change the status quo in the South China Sea,” according to a joint declaration they issued after their summit talks, with China’s recent rapid and massive reclamation work in mind.
China has become increasingly assertive in the South China Sea, building artificial islands in areas over which the Philippines and other countries have rival claims.
"Regarding the South China Sea issue, we've reaffirmed that we are concerned about the large-scale reclamation and that we are opposed to unilateral attempts to change the status quo," Abe said.
“We have agreed to ensure that the rule of law [prevails],” Abe said in a joint appearance before the press with Aquino.
Aquino signed a deal with a Japanese shipbuilder to buy a fleet of 10 patrol vessels. Tokyo will provide a low-interest loan worth ¥19 billion ($150 million) to pay for the ships, marking a significant shift in Japan’s foreign aid program focused until now on infrastructure projects.
The purchase of the 44-meter boats from Tokyo-based Japan Marine United will sharply enhance the capacity of the Philippines’ Coast Guard, which has been under pressure from increased Chinese activities in disputed waters in the South China Sea.