The Nation

Japan, US, Philippines to launch security talks -Kyodo

March 28, 2023 | 4:11 pm

COMMANDING generals of the United States Army, US Marine Forces, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Philippine Army, and Philippine Marine Corps during the first Trilateral Key Leaders’ Engagement held at Camp Asaka in Tokyo, Japan on Dec. 11, 2022. — PHILIPPINE ARMY

Japan-US-PHL-military-heads — COMMANDING generals of the United States Army, US Marine Forces, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Philippine Army, and Philippine Marine Corps during the first Trilateral Key Leaders’ Engagement held at Camp Asaka in Tokyo, Japan on Dec. 11, 2022. — PHILIPPINE ARMY

TOKYO – Japan, the United States and the Philippines are preparing to establish a formal framework for high-level ministerial talks on security matters, the Kyodo news agency reported on Tuesday.

The three countries are considering holding their first meeting as early as April, Kyodo said.

The move comes as Taiwan, which lies between Japan and the Philippines, has become a focal point of intensifying Chinese military activity that Tokyo and Washington worry could escalate into war.

Japan held joint military exercises with the United States and the Philippines as recently as October. — Reuters