MANILA. In a significant move reflecting mutual concerns over China’s assertiveness, Japan and the Philippines signed a landmark defense pact on Monday. The Reciprocal Access Agreement allows Japanese forces to deploy for joint drills in the Philippines, and Filipino forces to enter Japan for similar training. This agreement marks a new chapter in the alliance between the two countries, which endured a brutal Japanese occupation during World War II but now face common geopolitical challenges.
The agreement was signed by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa during a ceremony in Manila, witnessed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. It will come into effect after ratification by the legislatures of both nations.
Kamikawa hailed the signing as “a groundbreaking achievement” that will enhance defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines.
The officials from both countries expressed “serious concern over the dangerous and escalatory actions by China” in the Second Thomas Shoal, a recent flashpoint in the South China Sea. This vital global trade route is claimed almost entirely by China but is also contested by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.
In a joint statement, the officials underscored the importance of “maintaining and strengthening the free and open international order based on the rule of law” in the disputed waters.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that “the Asia-Pacific region does not need military blocs, let alone small groupings that instigate bloc confrontations or a new Cold War.” Lin also urged Japan to reflect on its wartime aggression and act cautiously in military matters.
This defense pact is Japan’s first in Asia, following similar agreements with Australia in 2022 and the United Kingdom in 2023. Under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Japan has been enhancing its security measures, including developing a counterstrike capability and doubling defense spending by 2027, making it the world’s third-largest military spender.
Despite the sensitivity of Japan’s military expansion due to its history of aggression in Asia, the Philippines has deepened its defense ties with Tokyo. This aligns with President Marcos’ strategy to strengthen security alliances and boost the Philippine military’s capacity to defend its territorial claims in the South China Sea.
The U.S. has also been reinforcing its military alliances in the Indo-Pacific to counter China and reassure its allies, including Japan and the Philippines. In April, leaders from these three nations held talks at the White House, where President Joe Biden reaffirmed America’s commitment to defending Japan and the Philippines.
Japan has a longstanding territorial dispute with China over islands in the East China Sea. Meanwhile, Chinese and Philippine forces have faced off repeatedly in the South China Sea. In the worst incident, Chinese coast guard personnel attacked and damaged Philippine navy vessels at Second Thomas Shoal on June 17, injuring several Filipino sailors and seizing navy rifles.
Japanese and Philippine officials condemned China’s actions, stating that they “obstructed freedom of navigation and disrupted supply lines, thus, increasing tensions.” Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Seiji reiterated Japan’s opposition to the “dangerous and coercive use of maritime security agencies and maritime militia vessels.”
The Philippines has strongly protested China’s actions and demanded compensation and the return of the seized rifles. China, however, accused the Philippines of instigating the violence.
Japan and the United States quickly expressed concern over China’s actions and urged Beijing to comply with international laws. The U.S. has a treaty obligation to defend the Philippines if its forces come under attack, including in the South China Sea.
This new defense pact between Japan and the Philippines marks a critical step in their efforts to counterbalance China’s growing influence and assertiveness in the region.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
