TTLV: The Development of the Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership (2011-2025)

                        INFORMATION ABOUT THE MASTER'S THESIS

1. Student's full name: Hoang Nguyen Thu Trang 2. Gender: Female

3. Date of birth: October 17, 1984

4. Place of birth: Lang Son

5. Decision on student admission No. 5626/QD-XHNV dated December 29, 2023, by the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

6. Changes in the training process: None

7. Thesis title:The development of the Philippines-Japan strategic partnership (2011-2025)

8. Major: International Relations; Code: 8310601.01

9. Scientific supervisor: Dr. Chu Thanh Van, University of Foreign Languages, VNU Hanoi

10. Summary of the thesis results:

1. Introduction

The Philippines and Japan are key allies of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region, both facing sovereignty disputes with China. Their bilateral relationship can be considered a "natural alliance." Understanding the development of their relationship will help us better understand the changing dynamics in international relations. Furthermore, this strategic partnership reflects shared goals between the two countries. Therefore, the thesis "The Development of the Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership (2011-2025)" is of scientific, practical, and up-to-date significance.

The Philippines relies on Japan for defense, economic, political, and diplomatic support. In return, the Philippines serves as a springboard for Japan to increase its influence in the region, especially as the balance of power shifts and China's military might grows in the South China Sea.

2. The Development of the Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership (2011-2025)

2.1 In the field of politics and diplomacy

The term of President Benigno Aquino III (2010-2016) marked the establishment of a strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan, highlighted in the "Japan-Philippines Joint Statement on Strategic Partnership" (2011). High-level contacts were maintained, facilitating dialogue mechanisms between the Philippines and Japan, including the Japan-Philippines Political-Military Dialogue and the Military-Military Dialogue. Among these, the most notable were discussions held under the Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership Agreement, such as the Philippines-Japan Dialogue on Maritime and Ocean Affairs, the Philippines-Japan Vice-Ministerial Strategic Dialogue, and defense talks between the Vice Ministers of both countries. At the end of his term in 2015, President Aquino III and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe signed a Joint Statement to further strengthen the strategic partnership.

During President Duterte's term, initial high-level contacts between heads of state occurred primarily in the early years. The agenda during this period focused mainly on multilateral relations, regional security issues such as North Korea and terrorism, and encouraging Japanese investment in infrastructure projects, including the "Build, Build, Build" program and the Metro and Bypass projects. Duterte's "independent foreign policy" emphasized reducing dependence on the United States. However, the Philippines continued to maintain a strategic partnership with Japan.

2.2 In the field of defense and security

The 2011 Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership Agreement marked a significant development in their defense cooperation. Since 2012, Japan has strengthened security cooperation with the Philippines through high-level dialogue and coordinated defense policies. Japan has not only provided disaster assistance but also enhanced defense cooperation, as highlighted in the 2015 Declaration on Security and Defense in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Japan's Official Security Assistance Program (OSA) focuses on providing defense equipment and technology to the Philippines. In July 2024, the two countries signed the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), promoting mutual access between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine Armed Forces and paving the way for increased Japanese military activities in the South China Sea.

2.3 In the economic field

Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the Philippines began as war reparations after World War II and has grown into the country's largest source of aid, contributing to peace and stability in the region. This relationship can be divided into four phases: foundation, expansion, diversification, and reform. The Duterte administration has leveraged this funding for its "Build, Build, Build" program, focusing on large-scale infrastructure projects.

The Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA) is the first bilateral free trade agreement aimed at boosting trade and investment. The Marcos Jr. administration is currently focused on economic recovery through improved connectivity and digital initiatives. A new Economic Partnership Agreement has been proposed, which could succeed if Japan addresses its aging population and supports Filipino nurses in learning Japanese.

3. Assessing the Development of the Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership (2011-2025)

The strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan is essential for both countries, supported by cultural diplomacy, labor exchanges, and robust bilateral trade. Institutional cooperation is evident through regular exchanges, memoranda of understanding, action plans, and cooperation committees.

Defense and security have become increasingly important, leading to the 2015 Action Plan aimed at strengthening strategic partnerships, focusing on peace, stability, economic growth, and shared values ​​such as democracy and human rights.

This partnership is mutually beneficial, enhancing the political, economic, and security interests of the Philippines while strengthening regional security and Japan's diplomatic influence. Furthermore, their cooperation plays a crucial role in the South China Sea security landscape, promoting international law, freedom of navigation, and economic growth in the region.

4. Conclusion

The strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan (2011-2025) has evolved into a multifaceted alliance marked by strong diplomatic trust, defense cooperation, and close economic ties. By 2025, it is projected to be one of the most dynamic bilateral relationships in the Indo-Pacific, driven by shared democratic values ​​and collaborative efforts.

11. Practical applications: Framework for evaluating development in bilateral relations; Lessons learned from bilateral cooperation to ensure sustainable development and national interests.

12. Future research directions: In-depth: Cultural diplomacy in Philippines-Japan relations; Broadened: Trilateral cooperation mechanisms between the US, Japan, and the Philippines

13. Published works related to the thesis:

Hoang Nguyen Thu Trang, Chu Thanh Van, Nguyen Thi Nhu Quynh (8, 2025), Philippines-Japan Neighborhood Diplomacy and Implications for Vietnam, “International Conference on Vietnam's Diplomacy and International Cooperation in the New Era"

INFORMATION ON MASTER'S THESIS

1. Full name: Hoang Nguyen Thu Trang 2. Sex: Female

3. Date of birth: October 17, 1984 4. Place of birth: Lang Son

5. Admission decision number: 5626/QD-XHNV Dated December 29, 2023

6. Changes in academic process: No

7. Official thesis title: The Development of The Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership(2011-2025)

8. Major: International Relations 9. Code: 8310601.01

10. Supervisors: Dr. Chu Thanh Van, University of Languages ​​and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

11. Summary of the findings of the thesis:

1. Introduction

The Philippines and Japan are key allies of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region, both facing sovereign disputes with China. Their relationship can be viewed as a "natural alliance." Exploring the evolution of their ties will enhance our understanding of changing dynamics in international relations. Additionally, this partnership reflects shared goals between the two countries. Thus, the thesis "The Development of the Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership (2011-2025)" is significant of scientific, practical, and timely relevance.

The Philippines relies on Japan for support in defense, economy, politics, and diplomacy. In turn, the Philippines acts as a springboard for Japan to enhance its influence in the region, especially given the shifting balance of power and China's increasing military strength in the East Sea.

2. Development of the Philippines-Japan strategic partnership (2011-2025)

2.1 In the political-diplomatic field

The term of President Benigno Aquino III (2010-2016) marked the establishment of a strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan, highlighted by the "Japan-Philippines Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership," which was signed by the leaders of both countries in 2011. High-level contacts were maintained, facilitating dialogue mechanisms between the Philippines and Japan, including the Japan-Philippines Political-Military Dialogue and Military-Military Dialogue. Among these, the most notable were the discussions held under the Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership Agreement, such as the Philippines-Japan Dialogue on Maritime and Ocean Affairs, the Philippines-Japan Deputy Ministerial Strategic Dialogue, and Defense Talks between the Deputy Ministers of both nations. By the end of his term in 2015, President Aquino III and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe signed a Joint Declaration to further strengthen the strategic partnership.

During President Duterte's term, initial high-level contacts between the heads of state occurred mainly in the early years. The issues on the agenda during this period are largely focused on multilateral relations, regional security such as North Korea and terrorism, and encouraging Japanese investment in infrastructure projects, including the "Build, Build, Build" program and the Metro Line and Bypass projects. Duterte's "independent foreign policy" emphasizes a reduced reliance on the US, particularly in light of the increasing strategic competition between the US and China and China's assertive actions in the South China Sea. Nevertheless, the Philippines has continued to maintain its strategic partnership with Japan.

2.2 In defense and security

The 2011 Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership Agreement marked a key development in their defense cooperation. Since 2012, Japan has enhanced security engagement with the Philippines through high-level dialogue and coordinated defense policies. Japan has not only provided disaster assistance but also strengthened defense collaboration, as highlighted by the 2015 Declaration on security and defense in the Asia-Pacific region.

Japan's Official Security Assistance (OSA) program focuses on supplying defense equipment and technology to the Philippines. In July 2024, the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) was signed, promoting mutual access between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine Armed Forces and paving the way for increased Japanese military activities in the South China Sea.

2.3 In the Economic Sector

Japan's official development assistance (ODA) to the Philippines began as war reparations after World War II and has evolved into the largest aid source for the country, contributing to regional peace and stability. The relationship can be divided into four phases: foundation, expansion, diversification, and reform. The Duterte administration leveraged this funding for its “Build, Build, Build” program, focusing on major infrastructure projects.

The Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA) is the first bilateral free trade agreement aimed at enhancing trade and investment. The Marcos Jr. administration is now focused on economic recovery through improved connectivity and digital initiatives. A new Economic Partnership Agreement has been proposed, which could be successful if Japan addresses its aging population and supports Filipino nurses in learning Japanese.

3. Assessment of the Development of the Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership (2011-2025)

The strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan is essential for both nations, supported by cultural diplomacy, labor exchanges, and strong bilateral trade. Institutionalized cooperation is evident through frequent exchanges, memoanda, action plans, and collaborative committees.

Defense and security have become critical, leading to the 2015 Action Plan to Enhance the Strategic Partnership, which focuses on peace, stability, economic growth, and shared values ​​like democracy and human rights.

The partnership is mutually beneficial, enhancing the Philippines' political, economic, and security interests while strengthening Japan's regional security and diplomatic influence. Additionally, their collaboration plays a vital role in the South China Sea security landscape, promoting international law, freedom of navigation, and economic growth in the region.

4. Conclusion

The strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan (2011-2025) has become a multifaceted alliance marked by strong diplomatic trust, defense collaboration, and robust economic ties. By 2025, it is expected to be one of the most dynamic bilateral relationships in the Indo-Pacific, driven by shared democratic values ​​and cooperative efforts.

12. Practical applicability, if any: assessment criteria on the development of bilateral relations

13. Further research directions, if any: Cultural diplomacy in the Philippines-Japan relations

14. Thesis-related publications: Hoang Nguyen Thu Trang, Chu Thanh Van, Nguyen Thi Nhu Quynh (2025), The Philippines-Japan Diplomatic Relations and Implications for Vietnam, Conference proceedings:Vietnam's Diplomacy and International Cooperation in the New Era, VNU-ULIS (August 9, 2025)