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

INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

Japan and the Philippines are deepening defence and maritime cooperation over shared concerns about China, with broad implications that analysts said reached beyond the South China Sea. Following Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s state visit to Tokyo last week, the two sides agreed to launch formal talks on military intelligence sharing and maritime boundary delimitation, while elevating ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Beijing responded strongly, denouncing the boundary.