PH, US, Japan, Australia militaries hold first joint talks in Tokyo

The militaries from the Philippines, United States, Japan, and Australia engaged in their first Joint Service Staff Talks in Tokyo from November 28, Tuesday, to December 1, Friday.

In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the meeting of the four countries aimed to “further deepen discussion on upholding a rules-based international order.”

The discussion focused on regional issues of common interest and more opportunities to expand cooperation between these countries, the AFP said.

“They also reaffirmed a shared vision for a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ and a collective effort to ensure that the vision continues to thrive,” it added.

Among the heads of delegates from the four countries were the following:

• Australian Defense Forces’ Deputy Chief Joint Operations AVM Mike Kitcher
• Japan Self-Defence Forces’ MGen Nobutaka Minamikawa of the Defense Plans and Policy Department
• US Indo-Pacific Command’s Director for Strategic Planning and Policy Major General Jay Bargeron 
• AFP Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, AJ5 BGen Rommel Cordova

The heads of delegates on Wednesday also rendered a courtesy call to the Chief of Joint Staff of Japan Self-Defence Force, General Yoshida Yoshihide.

According to AFP, the meeting was an outcome from the Japan-PH-AUS-US Defense Ministerial Meeting conducted in Singapore in June.

“The AFP’s participation here is another demonstration of its commitment to its alliance and partnership with like-minded nations, particularly in protecting Philippine defense and security interests in the Indo-Pacific region,” the AFP said.

The meeting took place amid ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea resulting from China's actions, including those toward Philippine vessels conducting resupply missions in Ayungin Shoal.

China has justified its actions, saying the Philippine vessels were trespassing into their territory. Beijing calls Ayungin Shoal Renai Reef.

Also known as the Second Thomas Shoal, Ayungin Shoal is 105 miles (109 km) off the Philippine island of Palawan.

A small number of Philippine troops live on board the old navy transport ship, the BRP Sierra Madre, which the Philippines grounded on the shoal in 1999 to reinforce its sovereignty claim.  —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News