Manila, Philippines - May 26, 2026 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Various of protesters holding placards, photos of deceased comfort women in rally against Philippines-Japan military cooperation
2. Police officers on guard
3. Various of protesters

A group of Filipinos staged a rally outside the Japanese Embassy in Manila on Tuesday, voicing opposition to growing military cooperation in the field of defense and security between the Philippines and Japan.

Holding placards such as "No To WAR" and photos of deceased Filipino comfort women who were victims of sexual slavery during World War II, the protesters called for greater caution against what they described as Japan's re-militarization.

The demonstration coincided with Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos' departure for Japan, where he is scheduled to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday and sign several agreements on defense and energy, while also looking to further upgrade bilateral relations.

In recent months, Japan has taken multiple steps toward military expansion. During the U.S.-Philippine joint military exercises in early May, Japanese Self-Defense Forces launched land-based anti-ship missiles, the first time that Japan has fired offensive-type missiles from Philippine territory since the World War II.

The Japanese government has significantly revised the three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology, actively promoted defense cooperation with the Philippines and other countries in the region while marketing military hardware to them.

Analysts suggest that these moves are effectively a trial balloon for building a regional arms export framework, while also serving as a vehicle for Japan to expand its military presence overseas.