Japanese Warships Make Goodwill Port Call in Manila to Promote Indo-Pacific Cooperation
Manila, The Gulf Observer: Two vessels of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) — JS Ise and JS Suzunami — arrived at Port Area in Manila on Saturday as part of a goodwill visit under Japan’s Indo-Pacific Deployment 2025 (IPD25) initiative. The port call underscores Japan’s commitment to promoting regional peace, security, and cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.
Rear Admiral Natsui Takashi, Commander of JMSDF Escort Flotilla Four, led the delegation. This marks the third JMSDF port call to the Philippines this year, highlighting deepening maritime ties between Tokyo and Manila.
Commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific
Speaking during the arrival ceremony, RADM Natsui emphasized the importance of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision in fostering regional prosperity.
“The Indo-Pacific region, including Manila, lies at the heart of global vitality and is home to more than half of the world’s population. Stable and autonomous development is essential for regional prosperity,” he stated.
He further noted that Escort Flotilla Four, which departed Japan on June 14, would spend three months engaging with like-minded nations to promote shared maritime values and conduct multilateral naval activities.
Training, Cooperation, and Regional Engagement
The JMSDF’s deployment includes joint naval exercises with countries across the Indo-Pacific, including the Philippines, to enhance tactical interoperability and maritime security readiness.
En route to Manila, the JMSDF also implemented a Ship Rider Cooperation Program aboard JS ISE, hosting 20 naval and maritime police officers from Southeast Asian and Pacific Island nations. These officers disembarked in Manila during a formal ceremony attended by the Philippine Navy, marking another step in bolstering maritime cooperation.
Japan’s Strategic Outreach
The Japanese Embassy in Manila stated that such engagements are intended to:
- Sharpen JMSDF operational capabilities
- Build mutual understanding and trust among regional navies
- Strengthen multilateral defense cooperation
“These initiatives reflect Japan’s unwavering dedication to promoting peace, stability, and a rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region,” the embassy added.
The port call aligns with growing regional efforts to ensure open sea lanes, uphold international maritime law, and reinforce security architecture amid evolving challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
