Philippine ally

After his ice- breaking state visit to China, President Duterte is in Japan to strengthen ties with the world’s third largest economy. The reaffirmation of friendship is significant in the light of the President’s dredging up of century-old sins against Filipinos and his professed choice of international allies.

Alliances are forged based on shared interests and values that are precious to a nation. Filipinos suffered grievously at the hands of the Japanese kempeitai or military police during World War II. Thousands of Filipinos and Americans died in the Death March alone from Bataan to Capas, Tarlac.

Yet when the smoke of war cleared, Japan made peace with enemies and rebuilt its friendships. And then it moved on, embarking on a single-minded national effort to rise from the ashes of a nuclear holocaust. It invested heavily in its human capital and industrialized rapidly, rebuilding its defense capability while adhering to a uniquely pacifist constitution. Japan’s post-war resurgence has been nothing short of spectacular.

Along the way it embraced the free market and a democratic system, warts and all, developing and strengthening the institutions that are indispensable in making democracy work. As the world’s second largest economy, Japan also shared its post-war wealth with old allies and enemies alike, becoming one of the largest sources of foreign aid for developing countries including the Philippines. In dispensing direct aid and soft loans, Tokyo follows international rules and best practices and encourages its aid recipients to do the same.

Japanese companies ar e among the biggest investors in the Philippines. The President’s visit is seen to boost bilateral trade and draw more Japanese investments to the Philippines. The two countries have common security concerns. Together with shared democratic values, this is an alliance that deserves strengthening.