China has deployed its coast guard on weekslong patrols inside a border area disputed by South Korea, in what analysts say is a calculated move to gradually normalize effective control and gain leverage over the U.

The Philippines shares a common cause with Japan of opposing any unilateral attempt to reshape the global order, its defence minister said on Monday.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., right, meets Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani during a courtesy visit at the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila, Philippines, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025.

The Philippines and Japan pledged to enhance their defense alliance through training exercises, logistical activities, equipment transfers and intelligence sharing on Monday amid China’s assertive moves in the South China Sea.

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro agreed Monday to establish a strategic dialog

The two sides also agreed to establish a “strategic dialogue” between the Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine Armed Forces to deepen operational collaboration.

Japan and the Philippines plan to establish a high-level defense consultation mechanism to expand Japan's defense exports, Kyodo News reported Sunday during Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani's visit to the Philippines.