Japan and the Philippines Sign Defence Pact Amid Concerns Over China’s Growing Military Power
Japan and the Philippines have recently signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement, allowing for the deployment of troops on each other’s soil, in response to shared concerns over China’s increasing military strength. The agreement, signed by Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, enables Japanese forces to participate in joint military exercises in the Philippines and Filipino forces to conduct combat training in Japan.
Both countries have long been allies of the United States and are wary of China’s assertiveness in the region, particularly in the South China Sea. Beijing’s expansive territorial claims in the area, including within the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations, have sparked tensions and even confrontations. Japan also faces territorial disputes with China over the Senkaku Islands.
With Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida aiming to bolster military capabilities, Japan has been forging similar agreements with other countries like Australia and the UK. Meanwhile, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has firmly opposed China’s actions in the South China Sea and has signaled readiness to defend Filipino interests.
Overall, the defence pact between Japan and the Philippines reflects a broader trend of regional cooperation in response to China’s military expansion, with alliances forming to counterbalance Beijing’s influence.