Amid the Philippines’ continuing dispute with China over the Spratly Islands, as well as long-standing Moro and communist-led insurgencies now the subject of peace talks, President Benigno Aquino III hinted Saturday at asking the United States and Japan to stand by the Philippines against threats to “security and sovereignty."
In his speech at the Araw ng Kagitingan rites in Bataan province, Aquino said the Philippines has had “no greater friends" than Japan and the US.
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“Time has proven that we can count on allies like them and I am confident they can stand by us should there be a threat again to our security and sovereignty," Aquino said, but made no mention of China in his speech.
Earlier this year, the Philippines asked China to explain an "encounter" between a Philippine exploration vessel and three Chinese Navy patrol boats in the Reed Bank area, west of Palawan, near the disputed Spratly Islands.
The incident prompted the Coast Guard to send three ships to the area to prevent a repeat of the encounter.
Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office secretary Ramon Carandang had insisted the area where the incident occurred was outside the disputed Spratly Islands.
In his Saturday speech, Aquino lauded the US and Japan for turning out to be the Philippines’ greatest allies after World War II.
“I know three generations ago, the three of us were in conflict but since then our country has had no greater friends than the US and Japan. Japan has been our partner towards economic progress, providing us the needed technology to cope with calamity. And the US has shared with us a long history of cooperation and mutual defense," he said.
Japan, US to maintain close ties
On the other hand, Ambassadors Makoto Katsura (Japan) and Harry Thomas Jr. reiterated their nations’ commitment to maintain close ties with the Philippines.
Katsura said Japan will continue to support the Philippine peace process, particularly efforts between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
“We have made great strides in our relationship and our cooperation in the last 70 years. After the ravages of war so many years ago I cannot fathom anyone predicting the extraordinary relationship that exists today between our three nations. The Philippines and Japan are among the US’ most steadfast allies and I know that President Aquino and Ambassador Katsura will agree the relationship between Japan and the Philippines is stronger than ever before," Thomas said. — LBG/JV
