09/12/2013
Philippine President Benigno Aquino III is open to discussing the possibility of a defense treaty with Japan as he attends the 40th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo this week.
Participating heads of states are expected to discuss from December 12th-15th issues surrounding Japan and its relations with the 10-member regional bloc, but Aquino said he is open to discussions on other issues, including the territorial disputes with China, which recently declared a new Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
"I don't recall a defense treaty with Japan," Aquino said in a televised chance interview with the media on Monday. "Will that be part of the talks? Siyempre anything that creates tension and instability is a concern for all."
"Everybody should be focused on maintaining a stable region so that we have the necessary milieu for expanding economies to the benefit of all our peoples," Aquino added.
Aquino noted that the United States (US) and Japan are the only two strategic partners for the Philippines.
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