JAPANESE Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s recent visit to the Philippines may have begun a major turn in Philippine foreign relations and in regional security.
Since President Duterte assumed office six months ago, he has declared his intention to forge a more independent foreign policy for the country, one less dependent on our long-standing ally, the United Sates. He affirmed his readiness to move closer to China and Russia. On his return from his state visit to Beijing, he announced China’s pledge of $6 billion in Official Development Assistance (ODA) and $3 billion in financing for development projects.
Last week, Prime Minister Abe of Japan, the first foreign state visitor in the new Duterte administration, pledged a one-trillion-yen aid package to the Philippines, including ODA and private investments, in the next five years. One trillion yen in Japanese currency translates into $8.7 billion in US dollars, or P435 billion in Philippine pesos.
Japan will be helping in the Philippines’ infrastructure program, notably in transportation and electricity, where it is known for its expertise. Japanese investors will be invited to join in five priority areas – manufacturing, infrastructure and logistics, tourism, services, and agribusiness.
Apart from these economic projects, Abe and Duterte agreed to enhance maritime and security cooperation. “We will continue to forge ahead with our efforts to enhance the rule of law in order to secure the waters in our region. As maritime nations, the Philippines and Japan have a shared interest in keeping our waters safe and secure from threats of any kind,” President Duterte said.
Perhaps more than the economic benefits Abe’s state visit is bringing to the Philippines, its impact on regional security in Southeast Asia will have greater significance for world leaders watching the shifting levels and areas of influence and leadership in the world today.
In the course of one meeting with President Duterte, Prime Minister Abe expressed the hope that the Philippines remains committed to its alliance with the US in maintaining regional peace and security. Japan may now be stepping into a bigger role in Southeast Asia, not merely as an economic power but also as a regional leader, assuming part of the role that used to be dominated by the US in our part of the world.