By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | May 28, 2026

MANILA – The Philippines and Japan on Thursday formalized the elevation of their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the highest tier in the Philippines diplomatic framework and a reflection of exceptional level of trust between the two nations.

The status upgrade was announced following a bilateral meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo, Japan.

Marcos said the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reflects the two countries’ deepening ties amid evolving regional and global challenges and builds on decades of cooperation in key sectors.

“As we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between our countries, I am pleased to announce that we have elevated our relations from a Strengthened Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Marcos said in a joint statement after the bilateral meeting.

“This milestone reflects the strength, depth, and breadth of our ties as we respond to the evolving challenges and opportunities of our time,” he added, citing their reaffirmed commitment to advancing economic, energy, decarbonization, defense, security, and maritime cooperation.

Manila and Tokyo formally established diplomatic ties on July 23, 1956, and elevated their relations to a “Strengthened Strategic Partnership” in June 2015 through a joint declaration between the late president Benigno Aquino III and then prime minister Shinzo Abe.

New agreements

Several agreements were also signed between the two nations during Marcos’ state visit to Japan, including the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement aimed at enhancing business environment and promoting greater cross-border investment.

The two nations also signed new arrangements that will expand cooperation in the agricultural and fisheries sector, improve equitable access to quality health services and continue partnership in human resource development.

They would also advance cooperation in space development and application, artificial intelligence, energy security and supply chain resilience.

Marcos said both countries have also agreed to initiate formal negotiations on key agreements, including the sharing of classified military information under the General Security of Military Information Agreement to enhance defense cooperation and interoperability between their respective security forces.

The two countries also pushed for the start of negotiations on the delimitation of maritime borders, reflecting mutual trust in clarifying maritime jurisdiction and strengthening rules-based maritime order in the region.

“These are very important steps to further strengthen our defense cooperation and to uphold a rules-based maritime order. They will enhance the mutual trust between our two countries,” Marcos said.

The Philippines and Japan have expanded cooperation in recent years, particularly in security engagement and economic ties, as they seek to reinforce regional stability and support a rules-based international order.

Marcos’ four-day state visit to Japan coincides with the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan. (PNA)