Japanese F-15s Land in Philippines as Both Nations Seek Stronger Military Alliance

Two Japanese F-15 fighter jets landed in the Philippines on Tuesday for the first time since World War II, as part of cooperation between Japan's Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
The two F-15 fighter jets arrived at Clark Air Base, where around 60 ASDF members have been taking part in the exchanges being held from Nov. 27 to Dec. 11 in a bid to promote mutual understanding and defense cooperation.
Together with the two F-15s, a refueling aircraft and a transport airplane were dispatched to the base, the ASDF said in a release.
Col. Leo Fontanilla, a commander of the Philippine Air Force, said it will continue to work "hand-in-hand" with the ASDF "to advance our friendship and partnership and to strengthen both our air forces to effectively and efficiently sustain peace and stability in our region."
China has routinely sent ships to the East China Sea to navigate waters near the Japan-administered Senkaku Islands, which Beijing claims and calls Diaoyu. It is also involved in a territorial dispute with the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries over the South China Sea.
Amid China's assertive military activities in the South China Sea, the Philippines and Japan have been boosting defense cooperation.

The Philippines has emerged as a growth market for Japanese military equipment. In recent years it has odered ships, radars and others.