What Happened
New Defence Initiatives And Equipment Deliveries Bolster Regional Security
Japan and the Philippines have strengthened their alliance in the First Island Chain through the establishment of a Combined Coordination Centre and the delivery of finished defence equipment. The move is seen as a response to growing concerns over unilateral actions in the East and South China Seas. According to a joint statement, the two countries, along with the US and Australia, have committed to four new strategic initiatives, including synchronised defence investment and combined exercises. The development was first reported by an unknown source.