Japan-Philippines sign defence pact with eyes on China
Japan and the Philippines have signed a defense agreement permitting the deployment of troops on each other's territory due to mutual concerns about China's expanding military influence.
The Reciprocal Access Agreement was signed on Monday in Manila by Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro.
This agreement allows Japanese forces to be stationed in the Philippines for joint military exercises, while Filipino forces can conduct combat training in Japan. For the pact to take effect, it must be ratified by both countries' legislatures.
As long-time allies of the United States, Japan and the Philippines are increasingly wary of China's assertive actions in the region. China claims over 90 percent of the South China Sea, including areas within the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines and four other Southeast Asian nations. In 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague ruled that China's claims had 'no legal basis.'
Tensions have escalated between the Chinese and Philippine coast guards and navies in these disputed waters. A recent incident saw Chinese coast guard personnel, armed with knives and spears, using motorboats to ram two Philippine navy supply vessels.
Japan also has a longstanding territorial dispute with China over the Senkaku Islands, situated between Taiwan and Okinawa. Under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Japan has aimed to strengthen its military capabilities, including through reciprocal access agreements with Australia and the United Kingdom.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has strongly condemned China's actions in the South China Sea, warning that any Filipino casualties would be considered near "an act of war." The Philippines also has existing defense agreements with Australia and the US and is pursuing a similar pact with France.
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