How Japan and the Philippines are building a maritime security front against China

Japan and the Philippines are strengthening their defense and maritime cooperation due to shared concerns about China. Following Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recent visit to Tokyo, the two nations agreed to initiate formal discussions on military intelligence sharing and maritime boundary delimitation. Their relationship has been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership. China has reacted negatively to these developments, labeling the boundary talks as "illegal and invalid" and deploying coastguard vessels for patrols east of Taiwan. These actions suggest the cooperation has implications extending beyond the South China Sea.