Japan, Philippines deepening ties in 'severe' security environment

An "increasingly severe" security environment has made deepening security ties with the Philippines a necessity, Japan's defence chief said on Monday after a meeting with his counterpart in Manila. Speaking as he concluded a two-day visit that included a tour of Philippine air bases, Japanese defence secretary Gen Nakatani said the two countries hoped to achieve greater operational collaboration in the future. "Secretary (Gilberto) Teodoro Jr and I firmly concurred that the security environment surrounding us is becoming increasingly severe and it is ... necessary to further enhance defence cooperation," Nakatani said.