Following U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s trip to the Philippines and Japan, Tokyo should seek to deepen relations with Manila and invest in the nine military bases the Philippines allows the U.S. military to access, Keio University professor Ken Jimbo told Nikkei Asia.
“The U.S. is shifting from a hub-and-spoke model of bilateral relationships to a network of alliances, under which allies combine capabilities to strengthen deterrence,” Jimbo said on the sidelines of the Trilateral Commission meeting held in Washington over the weekend. Jimbo has served as an adviser to the Japanese Defense Ministry and the National Security Secretariat.
A prominent international security think tank is advocating for Japan to significantly invest in upgrading military bases in the Philippines, citing the rapidly escalating geopolitical landscape and the need to bolster regional stability. The call comes as tensions continue to rise in the South China Sea and surrounding areas.
The report, released by the [Fictional Think Tank: “Asia Pacific Security Forum” (APSF)], highlights the mutually beneficial nature of such investment. Upgraded Philippine bases would not only enhance the Philippines’ defense capabilities but also provide logistical advantages for Japan’s own Self-Defense Forces (SDF) in the region, strengthening their ability to respond to potential crises.
“Investing in the modernization of Philippine military infrastructure is a strategic imperative for Japan,” stated Dr. Anya Sharma, lead author of the APSF report. “The Philippines, as a key strategic ally, is situated in a critical location. Upgrading existing bases would significantly improve maritime domain awareness, enhance disaster response capabilities, and deter potential aggression in the region.”
The report suggests a multi-faceted approach to the investment, including:
- Runway Extensions and Reinforcements: Upgrading existing runways to accommodate larger aircraft, including surveillance planes and transport aircraft.
- Port Infrastructure Development: Improving port facilities to allow for the berthing and resupply of larger naval vessels.
- Communication and Surveillance Equipment: Implementing advanced communication systems and surveillance technologies to enhance maritime domain awareness.
- Cybersecurity Enhancements: Strengthening the Philippines’ cybersecurity infrastructure to protect against potential cyberattacks.
The APSF report emphasizes that such investment should be undertaken in a transparent and collaborative manner, respecting Philippine sovereignty and addressing the specific needs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“This isn’t about establishing permanent Japanese bases in the Philippines,” clarified Dr. Sharma. “It’s about a collaborative effort to mutually enhance security and stability in the region through infrastructure development and technology transfer.”
The report acknowledges the existing security cooperation between Japan and the Philippines, including the provision of patrol vessels and training programs. However, it argues that a more substantial commitment to base upgrades is now crucial given the evolving security environment.
The recommendations come at a time when both nations are increasingly concerned about China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea. While Japan has no territorial claims in the area, it relies on the sea lanes for crucial trade and energy imports. The Philippines, on the other hand, has been locked in a long-standing territorial dispute with China over several islands and reefs.
The APSF report concludes by urging both the Japanese and Philippine governments to seriously consider the proposal and explore potential avenues for collaboration. Whether Tokyo will heed the call remains to be seen, but the report has undoubtedly ignited a critical conversation about regional security and the role of strategic partnerships in maintaining stability.
