The Philippines and India confirmed that they will deepen cooperation in the areas of security and maritime cooperation. The Philippines appears to be aiming to keep China in check by confirming its cooperation with India, as many people are injured due to China's acts of sabotage in the South China Sea.
Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar, who is visiting the Philippines, met with Philippine Foreign Minister Manalo in the capital Manila on the 26th, and after exchanging opinions on the latest situation in the South China Sea, they held a joint press conference.
In this regard, Foreign Minister Jaishankar expressed support for the Philippines' stance of maintaining its sovereignty in accordance with international law, and said, ``It is natural for the two countries to look at new areas of cooperation, including security.'' That's true.''
Foreign Minister Manalo also stated, ``We are discussing defense and security cooperation from the perspective of supporting the international rules-based order,'' adding that the two countries are working together in areas such as military modernization and security and maritime surveillance. We announced our intention to deepen our cooperation.
Prior to the talks, an Indian coast guard patrol boat called at the port of Manila on the 25th and is conducting training with the Philippine coast guard.
In March, in the South China Sea, a Philippine cargo ship was repeatedly fired by water cannons from ships of the Chinese Coast Guard, injuring its crew one after another, and the Philippines confirmed its cooperation with India. This appears to be an attempt to keep China in check.