00:00As regional dynamics evolve, our nations are brought closer by converging strategic interests
00:08of safeguarding maritime security, preserving stability, upholding a rule-spaced international
00:15order, and advancing a free and open global civic. Through sustained military diplomacy,
00:23capacity building, and enhanced interoperability, our partnership now actively contributes to
00:31deterrence, resilience, and collective security. And today, this year, commitments are being tested.
00:41In the face of the People's Republic of China's increasing assertiveness in the West Philippine
00:50Sea and the broader South China Sea, as well as the East China Sea, the Philippines remains
00:58firmly anchored in international law, diplomacy, and transparency. We continue to uphold the 2016
01:08Arbitral Award under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, asserting our maritime
01:16rights to peaceful and lawful means. This approach reflects a deliberate strategy, principal restraint
01:24coupled with dissolve. This is reinforced by our commitment to transparency and strategic communication
01:35to ensure that developments at sea are clearly presented, facts are established, and the
01:44international community remains informed. In doing so, we defend our rights while contributing to
01:53accountability and stability in the nation. Likewise, Japan has consistently upheld the same principles of respect for
02:03international law for international law, freedom of navigation, and adherence to established norms.
02:09As a like-minded partner, Japan reinforces a shared vision of a maritime domain governed by law, not by coercion.
02:20Together, we affirm that regional stability depends on open ceilings,
02:25peace, peaceful dispute management, and respect for the rights of all saints.
02:32This alignment underscores the strategic importance of the Philippines-Japan relations, not only as a response to present challenges,
02:43but as a long-term commitment to a stable and rules-based regional order.
02:50Building on this foundation, our defense cooperation continues to expand in both scope and depth. From capacity-building initiatives, as
03:02mentioned earlier,
03:03where we received radar assistance from Japan under the OSCE, and maritime security assistance,
03:11two increasingly sophisticated joint and trilateral exercises, our engagements reflect deepening trust and inter-open building.
03:23Landmark arrangements, such as the reciprocal access agreement, further demonstrate our commitment to a more responsive and coordinated security posture.
03:36And again, as mentioned by the ambassador, for this year's bilateral exercise, we are expecting Japan to send combat troops
03:49to join the exercise,
03:51instead of just the usual trainers of H.K. Dillard, demand the assistance and disaster response.
04:00Beyond traditional defense activities, our partnership also addresses emerging challenges, particularly illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive,
04:13or ITAP actions that undermine the sovereignty without escalating into open conflict.
04:20In this context, sustained coordination, information sharing, and strategic communication are essential to exposing malign influence and reinforcing the rules
04:33-based order.
04:36Ultimately, the strength of the Philippines-Japan defense relations lie in its strategic clarity and shared purpose.
04:46It is a partnership that not only responds to present challenges, but anticipates future demands that are anchored in people
04:56of respect, guided by shared values.
05:32Thank you very much.
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