They are treaty allies of the United States and the three have been among the most vocal critics of China’s assertive actions in the region.

Tokyo, Manila to establish ‘strategic dialogue,’ move toward defense equipment, technology cooperation - Anadolu Ajansı

An increasingly complex security environment means Japan and the Philippines need to further enhance their defence cooperation, Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani said on Monday ahead of a bilateral meeting in Manila.

AN 'increasingly severe' security environment has made deepening security ties with the Philippines a necessity, Japan's defense chief said Monday after a meeting with his counterpart in Manila.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, (right), shakes hands with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani at the start of their press conference in Makati city, Philippines on Feb 24. (AP)

Japan and the Philippines agreed on Monday to further deepen defense ties in the face of an “increasingly severe” security environment in the Indo-Pacific region, Japanese defense minister Gen Nakatani said on Monday.

Japan and the Philippines strengthen defense ties against China's aggression, focusing on military cooperation and information protection mechanisms.