“The official, who made the confirmation at a Stratbase ADRI forum in Makati City, said the deployment signals an important development in the two nations’ growing security cooperation.”
” ‘After 1945, for the very first time, we will have again Japanese combat troops on Philippine soil. That is very significant because back then we found ourselves on the opposite sides of the war, but this time, we find ourselves on the same side,’ he said.”
” ‘Together with the United States, with Australia, these four nations will come together to exercise defensive operations.’ ”
“In the same forum, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya confirmed that the Philippines will see ‘strengthened participation’ of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces in the upcoming joint exercises in the country beyond Balikatan.”