Manila, March 24 -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Tuesday said the country's strong partnership with Japanese defense forces is helping it address emerging security challenges, especially in the West Philippine Sea.

"Beyond traditional defense activities, our partnership also addresses emerging challenges, particularly illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive, or ICAD, actions that undermine the sovereignty without escalating into open conflict," he said during a Stratbase Institute forum in Makati City.

Brawner said sustained coordination, information sharing, and strategic communication are essential to exposing malign influence and reinforcing the rules-based order.

"Ultimately, the streng...