MANILA, Philippines — A private think tank on Sunday urged the government to accelerate energy projects under the Japan-led Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) instead of pursuing arrangements with other parties that could expose the Philippines to “geopolitical pressure.”

MANILA, Philippines — The troop numbers hover around 17,500 from seven (7) nations including the US, Australia, and Japan. US 2026 Balikatan spokesperson Colonel Robert Bunn acknowledged routine "tweaks" for asset availability, standard regardless of Middle East operations. This reinforces interoperability and deterrence in the West Philippine Sea context.

These priorities are already visible in recent defense and security agreements between the Philippines and Japan. They include the 2024 Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which facilitates joint exercises and port visits, and the Acquisition and Cross‑Servicing Agreement (ACSA) signed in January 2026, enabling mutual logistical support between the two militaries. ² Taken together, Manila and Tokyo say these arrangements aim to foster a stable, law‑abiding maritime environment

The collaboration between We Protect Our Seas (WPS) Foundation and Taiwan's Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR), addresses pressing challenges like cognitive warfare, where disinformation targets allies in the Indo-Pacific. By partnering, WPS and INDSR aim to enhance resilience against influence operations and bolster maritime dialogues. The timing aligns with heightened regional focus on South China Sea stability.