Philippines, Japan seek to strengthen defense ties amid U.S.-China thaw

Defense Secretary Teodoro says Manila to buy five naval destroyers

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro speaks during a limited media briefing in Singapore on May 31. (Photo by Kentaro Takeda)

SINGAPORE -- The Philippines and Japan are seeking to strengthen their defense cooperation in response to China's assertive actions in the South China Sea, according to both countries' defense ministers, with the transfer of warships and a patrol aircraft to Manila among the top priorities.