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NEWSCMP China Series

Japan-Philippines maritime talks 2026

SCMP’s coverage of the ongoing maritime and defence talks between Japan and the Philippines. The high-level summits began in late May 2026 to China’s condemnation.

Updated: 04 Jun, 2026

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (right) and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (left) shake hands before talks in Tokyo on May 28, 2026. Photo: Kyodo

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[1]

Marcos’ historic Japan trip: what will Philippine leader seek from Takaichi?

Japan is a key counterweight for the Philippines to deal with its maritime challenges in the South China Sea, analysts say.

26 May, 2026

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (left) shakes hands with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr ahead of their talks in Kuala Lumpur in October last year. Photo: Kyodo

[2]

‘Illegal and void’: China condemns Japan-Philippines maritime border talks

Beijing says negotiations between Tokyo and Manila cover area east of Taiwan where it maintains exclusive economic zone.

29 May, 2026

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (right) and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (left) shake hands before talks in Tokyo on May 28, 2026. Photo: Kyodo

[3]

Why have Japan and the Philippines’ maritime boundary talks angered China?

A new flashpoint has opened up in the western Pacific Ocean with Beijing expected to strengthen its presence in the waters east of Taiwan.

02 Jun, 2026

Coastguard vessels from the Chinese mainland were spotted southeast of Orchid Island off the southeastern coast of Taiwan on Monday. Photo: Getty Images

[4]

How Philippines and Japan future-proofed ties amid China tensions, US wavering

Manila and Tokyo forge a comprehensive strategic partnership, boosting defence and economic cooperation, as Indo-Pacific challenges mount.

30 May, 2026

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr meets Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (right) at the Akasaka Palace state guest house in Tokyo on Thursday. Photo: EPA

[5]

China responds to Japan-Philippines boundary talks with expanded sea patrols

Coastguard vessels carried out law enforcement patrols in waters east of Taiwan on Monday, in a ‘necessary action’, spokesman says.

01 Jun, 2026

The Daishan has led a formation of coastguard vessels on enforcement patrols in waters east of Taiwan. Photo: Handout

[6]

How Japan, Philippines are building a maritime security front against China

Tokyo-Manila defence cooperation is linking Pacific flashpoints, with broad implications for Beijing, analysts say.

03 Jun, 2026

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (right) shakes hands with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr in Tokyo on May 28. Photo: Kyodo

[7]

What does Beijing’s response to Tokyo-Manila boundary talks mean for Taiwan?

The Chinese coastguard’s rapid growth in recent years has included an evolution of its roles and relationships with the PLA.

03 Jun, 2026

The patrol on Monday marked an expansion of the coastguard’s traditional area of focus. Photo: CCTV

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[8]

How Beijing could use its military and trade to hit back at Tokyo-Manila ties

Chinese experts warn the pair could pose a threat in a conflict over Taiwan, urge tough economic and military measures.

04 Jun, 2026

Japan and the Philippines began to bolster their defense links in August last year. Photo: Kiyoshi Ota/Pool Bloomberg via AP