How the Philippines became Japan’s closest security partner in Southeast Asia

Japanese forces are taking part for the first time in this year’s Balikatan military exercises hosted by the Philippines, while bilateral cooperation is set to expand after Tokyo eased its defence export rules on Tuesday. These activities signal the Philippines’ special position among Japan’s security partners and can help boost Manila’s efforts to counter Beijing, according to analysts. With Tokyo’s removal of its long-standing curbs on arms exports, Japan could potentially sell lethal weapons ranging from warships to missiles to countries including the Philippines, as it further loosens the post-war constraints that have long limited its security role abroad. Philippine…