The Manila Times
THE Philippines should accelerate its participation in the Japan-led Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) while steering clear of energy agreements with “coercive powers” that could undermine national interests, according to think tank Stratbase Institute. The institute issued the statement following the visit of Fumio Kishida, who served as special envoy of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and as Supreme Adviser to the Parliamentary Association of AZEC. The visit coincided with efforts to deepen Philippines-Japan cooperation on energy transition and security. Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres Manhit urged the government to expedite energy projects under AZEC and strengthen partnerships with “like-minded” countries such as Japan, instead of entering into arrangements that could expose Manila to geopolitical pressure. “Any energy arrangement that comes with implicit or explicit concessions in the West Philippine Sea, or that turns a blind eye to ongoing coercion there, directly undermines the country’s sovereign and national interests,” the institute said. Manhit was referring to discussions on possible joint energy exploration with China in the West Philippine Sea, which Beijing continues to claim despite a 2016 arbitral ruling invalidating its expansive claims in the South China Sea. AZEC, a regional initiative led by Japan, promotes cooperation on clean energy transition, energy security, and decarbonization. Manhit described it as a “credible and forward-looking framework” that supports energy security, economic growth, and climate goals simultaneously. The institute said the Philippines’ participation in AZEC comes at a critical time as countries grapple with a global energy crunch driven by conflicts in the Middle East, prompting a shift toward more resilient and sustainable energy systems. Manhit also warned against proposals from “untrustworthy nations” that could carry geopolitical risks, citing continued Chinese activities in the West Philippine Sea, including reported harassment of Philippine vessels and disregard of international law. In contrast, he said Japan’s approach to cooperation is anchored on transparency, respect for international law, and capacity-building — principles the Philippines should prioritize in its energy partnerships. During his visit, Kishida met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin to discuss deeper AZEC collaboration. The Philippines and Japan are also set to co-host the 4th AZEC Leaders’ Meeting in November, which Manhit described as a recognition of Manila’s growing strategic role in the Indo-Pacific. The meeting also coincided with the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan.
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