Japan and Philippines are set to bolster security ties when President Benigni Aquino visits Tokyo Next week, the latest move by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to beef up cooperation with Southeast Asian nations facing China's growing naval ambitions. The two sides will likely agree to start talks on a framework for the transfer of defense equipment and technology and to discuss a possible pact on the status of Japanese military personnel visiting the Philippines to facilitate joint training and exercises, officials involved in the talks said. China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, through which much of Japan's ship-borne trade passes.

Phl, Japan to deepen ties amid China sea claims. (2015 May 28). The Philippine Star, p. 2.