Manila, Nov. 23 -- The Philippine Fleet is tightening its naval embrace with Japan as both countries accelerate security cooperation amid Beijing's growing assertiveness in the West Philippine Sea and wider Indo-Pacific.

Rear Adm. Joe Anthony Orbe, commander of the Philippine Fleet, led a delegation to Japan this week for a string of high-level engagements with the Japan Self-Defense Fleet (JSDF) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) - a visit that comes as Manila scrambles to broaden its strategic partnerships.

On Nov. 20, Orbe met JSDF Commander Vice Adm. Katsushi Omachi in Yokosuka where both sides acknowledged the "growing frequency" of joint activities, from maritime patrols to humanitarian assistance and disaster relie...