Strengthening Defence Ties The Philippines and Japan Ratify Reciprocal Access Agreement

In a significant move aimed at enhancing regional security, the Philippines has officially ratified a new defence pact with Japan, allowing each nation’s military to deploy forces on each other’s soil. This agreement, which comes amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly with China, aims to strengthen military cooperation and regional stability.

The Philippine Senate’s ratification of the deal on Monday was hailed as a step towards improving the interoperability of Japanese and Philippine armed forces. The Senate stated that the agreement "further affirms the strategic partnership" between the two nations, highlighting their shared commitment to peace, security, and stability in the region and globally.

Japan's ambassador to Manila, Kazuya Endo, expressed support for the ratification, emphasizing its potential to foster enhanced security and defence collaboration. He noted that the agreement would "facilitate the implementation of cooperative activities between the forces of the two countries" and bolster peace in the Indo-Pacific region. The agreement, known as the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), was signed in July following shared concerns about China's growing influence in the South China Sea and the increasing confrontations between Philippine and Chinese naval vessels.

The South China Sea, a crucial global shipping route, is claimed by China, though these claims are contested by several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines. The new defence pact is seen as a strategic move to counter China’s assertiveness in the region, ensuring that both the Philippines and Japan can strengthen their defensive capabilities while maintaining a focus on regional peace.

The RAA facilitates smoother movement of troops and military equipment between Japan and the Philippines, allowing for joint training exercises and more effective disaster response. However, the agreement will only be fully implemented once Japan’s lawmakers also ratify it.

This agreement signifies a deepening of military ties between the Philippines and Japan, reversing historical tensions from World War II when Japan occupied the Philippines. Today, both countries host U.S. military personnel and bases, further aligning their defence strategies. Japan has similar agreements with other nations such as Australia and the United Kingdom, and is negotiating similar arrangements with France.

The ratification of this agreement marks a pivotal moment in the growing security partnerships in the region. It serves as a clear signal of the Philippines and Japan’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the face of emerging challenges in the Indo-Pacific.