On 01 October 2025, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya attended the Blue Economy Annual Trade & Conference (BEACON EXPO 2025). Hosted by the Maritime League, the event was held at the Mall of Asia, with Philippine Navy (PN) Flag Officer in Command VADM Jose Ma Ezpeleta, and Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Irineo C. Espino, acting on behalf of DND Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr.

In his remarks, Ambassador Endo touched on the strengthening Japan-Philippines maritime defense cooperation. He emphasized the importance of the South China Sea, through which Japan’s sea lanes pass, and international cooperation under the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). In addition, Ambassador Endo also underscored the recent deepening of Japan-Philippines defense cooperation, including joint training exercises between the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), as well as defense equipment transfers. He also highlighted Japan’s provision of coastal surveillance radars and patrol vessels to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and expressed Japan’s commitment to remain a reliable partner of the Philippines.