President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says the Philippines and Japan are committed to strengthening maritime security and keeping regional seas “open, secure, and governed by rules.” Speaking in Tokyo, Marcos links the remarks to an unfolding regional context and to the July mark of the 10th anniversary of the Arbitral Award on the South China Sea. He says the two countries remain steadfast in upholding international law, promoting stability, and supporting the peaceful settlement of disputes, amid an increasingly complex Indo-Pacific where tensions continue to test a rules-based order. The statement frames maritime security as tied to adherence to international norms rather than the use of force. Overall, the message from Marcos is that the Philippines and Japan will work together to reinforce rule-based governance of maritime areas and encourage dispute resolution through lawful and peaceful means. The outlets report the same core points: the commitment to maritime security, the emphasis on rule-based access and governance, and the reference to the South China Sea arbitration anniversary.