Japan strengthening strategic partnership

Japan is stepping up cooperation with the Philippines and other Asian countries to establish common rules in business and other fields.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and Philippine President Benigno Aquino on Tuesday signed a joint statement on a strategic partnership.

Japan forms this partnership with countries sharing mutual interests such as democracy and a market economy.

The aim is to ensure free navigation in Asian seas and promote cross-border business activities.

The Philippines is the third Asian signatory of the joint statement after Indonesia and Vietnam.

The Japanese government apparently wants to boost cooperation with the signatories to deal with China's increasing maritime activities.

The idea of a strategic partnership is included in the Japan-US joint objectives agreed in June.

Japan intends to boost cooperation with Asian nations at the East Asia Summit scheduled in November.