(AseanAll) — The Philippines and Japan held their 7th Maritime Dialogue in Tokyo, co-chaired by Assistant Secretary Emmanuel Donato Guzman of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines - Maritime and Oceans Affairs Office, and Deputy Director-General Kyoko Hokugo of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan – Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau on 06-07 November 2025.
The maritime dialogue follows the Philippines-Japan Vice-Ministerial Dialogue convened last 2 October 2025, and is the latest iteration of their productive and substantive discussions in the maritime domain. The delegations discussed a wide range of bilateral, regional and international maritime issues, as well as common challenges faced by the countries. Both sides expressed their commitment to intensifying cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific and a stable maritime domain based on the rule of law.
The countries likewise highlighted the upcoming 10th Anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award which definitively settled the status of the maritime entitlements of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea. They also expressed support for initiatives to synchronize efforts of like-minded countries to promote a rules-based order.
Despite existing challenges, both sides reaffirmed the importance of the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan, and their strong commitment to uphold the rule of law in the South China Sea and the East China Sea.
The Philippines and Japan also discussed strengthening cooperation between each other’s defense sectors and coast guards through capacity building, facilitating procurement, and information sharing. The countries would also work together in marine environmental protection bilaterally and multilaterally, including within the framework of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.
Japan looked forward to the Philippines’ Chairship of ASEAN in 2026, and both sides expressed confidence that the countries’ partnership and cooperation would further strengthen for many more years to come.
