Manila, March 9 -- Japan and the Philippines have agreed to strengthen their defence ties in response to China's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, as reported by Indo-Pacific Defense Forum.

In a meeting in Manila, Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani and Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro outlined plans to enhance cooperation, including safeguarding shared military information, amid concerns over China's actions in the South China and East China seas, Indo-Pacific Defense Forum reported.

Teodoro emphasized the Philippines' commitment to deepening defence relations with Japan to counter China's and other countries' attempts to alter the international order. Nakatani highlighted their mutual agreement to bolster oper...