Japan risks alienating itself from rest of Asia

During Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's visit to Japan last week, the two countries agreed to sharply boost their defense ties, allowing Japanese troops greater access to Philippine territory.

Japan has been careful to avoid mentioning China in such security pacts. But all stakeholders know that it is China that Tokyo has put in its crosshair.

It is believed that the security pact with Manila represents a step for Tokyo to broaden military cooperation with Southeast Asian nations.