Philippines president Benigno Acquino says his nation is ready to start negotiations on an accord that will allow Japan's military to use Philippine bases.
The agreement would clear the way for Japanese military aircraft and naval vessels to refuel in the Philippines, Mr Aquino said, allowing them to extend their range of operation in the South China Sea.
During a joint press conference in Tokyo, Mr Acquino and Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe lashed out at Chinese land reclamation in the disputed waters.
"Regarding the South China Sea issue, we've reaffirmed that we are concerned about the large-scale reclamation and that we are opposed to unilateral attempts to change the status quo," Mr Abe said.
The two leaders also agreed expand joint military exercises and to cooperate in building up the Philippines Coast Guard.
Mr Aquino has passionately courted Japan, along with the United States, to help serve as a counterbalance to Beijing's sovereignty claims over the South China Sea, through which much of Japan's ship-borne trade passes.
The Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims.
Under Mr Abe's leadership, Japan last year eased its restrictions on arms exports.
Tokyo already has agreements on military equipment and technology transfers with the United States, Britain, Australia and France.
A similar pact with Manila is needed to allow it to export to the Philippines.
Japanese defence minister Gen Nakatani has repeatedly said the situation in the South China Sea is a challenge to Japan's security and that Tokyo needs to consider how to respond.
Japan's parliament is debating bills that would ease the country's pacifist constitution's constraints on its military's overseas activities.
South China Sea: Philippines will begin talks on visiting forces agreement with Japan, president says - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
The agreement would clear the way for Japanese military aircraft and naval vessels to refuel in the Philippines, Mr Aquino said, allowing them to extend their range of operation in the South China Sea.
During a joint press conference in Tokyo, Mr Acquino and Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe lashed out at Chinese land reclamation in the disputed waters.
"Regarding the South China Sea issue, we've reaffirmed that we are concerned about the large-scale reclamation and that we are opposed to unilateral attempts to change the status quo," Mr Abe said.
The two leaders also agreed expand joint military exercises and to cooperate in building up the Philippines Coast Guard.
Mr Aquino has passionately courted Japan, along with the United States, to help serve as a counterbalance to Beijing's sovereignty claims over the South China Sea, through which much of Japan's ship-borne trade passes.
The Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims.
Under Mr Abe's leadership, Japan last year eased its restrictions on arms exports.
Tokyo already has agreements on military equipment and technology transfers with the United States, Britain, Australia and France.
A similar pact with Manila is needed to allow it to export to the Philippines.
Japanese defence minister Gen Nakatani has repeatedly said the situation in the South China Sea is a challenge to Japan's security and that Tokyo needs to consider how to respond.
Japan's parliament is debating bills that would ease the country's pacifist constitution's constraints on its military's overseas activities.
South China Sea: Philippines will begin talks on visiting forces agreement with Japan, president says - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
