Exciting developments are on the horizon as Japan and the Philippines gear up for a crucial meeting in Manila next month. The foreign and defense ministers of both nations will convene for talks that may result in a groundbreaking defense pact, allowing their military forces to visit each other’s territory.
This eagerly anticipated 2+2 meeting between Japanese ministers Yoko Kamikawa and Minoru Kihara and their Philippine counterparts is set to take place on July 8. The focus of discussions will likely include a reciprocal access agreement (RAA) that aims to strengthen defense cooperation between these key allies in Asia.
With tensions rising in the South China Sea, the Philippines has been forging stronger alliances with neighboring countries. Meanwhile, Japan and China have been at odds over disputed islands in the East China Sea. The proposed RAA could serve as a significant step in safeguarding regional stability and security.
The upcoming talks hold the promise of progress towards ratifying the RAA, as highlighted by Japanese lawmaker Itsunori Onodera during his recent visit to Manila. This renewed collaboration follows a mutual agreement on disaster relief between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in February 2023.
© Thomson Reuters 2024.