Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Philippines and Japan have the right to work together on security issues that mutually affect them because of the strategic partnership between them.
This was Malacañan’s response on Saturday (August 8) after China accused the Philippines of conniving with Japan, especially with the planned maritime drills of the two countries in the West Philippine Sea.
Related: China accuses Philippines, Japan of joining forces over South China Sea
“Mayroon tayong kasunduan sa kanila (Japan) sa larangan ng kabuhayan, sa larangan ng seguridad,” Coloma said in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
[Translation: “We have agreements with them (Japan) on livelihood and security matters.”]
Coloma also said that when President Benigno Aquino III visited Japan last June, he and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe discussed how the current strategic partnership could be strengthened further.
He noted that part of it was ensuring freedom of navigation and easing the tension in the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea.
Regarding Beijing’s statement that it had no plans to impede freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea, Coloma said China’s recent action has raised tensions in the region.
He explained that China’s reclamation activities in the contested territories were not constructive as many countries opposed such moves.
