Japan, Philippines sign defence pacts as regional tensions escalate

The two countries concluded a defence pact that allows their armed forces to exchange supplies and services, aimed at strengthening bilateral security cooperation. Under the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, both militaries will be able to swiftly provide logistical support, including supplies and services, to each other.

The latest agreement follows a landmark Reciprocal Access Agreement signed months earlier between Japan and the Philippines, two of the United States’ closest allies in Asia, allowing the deployment of forces on each other’s territory.

In addition, Tokyo and Manila announced a $6 million Official Security Assistance package, under which Japan will fund the construction of storage facilities for rigid-hulled inflatable boats to enhance Philippine naval capabilities.

The security cooperation comes as Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi undertakes a nine-day tour across the Middle East and Asia, including visits to Israel, the Palestinian territories, India and Qatar, reflecting Japan’s expanding strategic role on the global stage.

The new defence arrangements signal a shift in bilateral ties at a time when the East Asian region is facing heightened maritime tensions. Speaking at a joint press conference with Philippine Foreign Secretary Lazaro, Motegi said both sides reaffirmed the importance of Japan-Philippines-US trilateral cooperation in what he described as an increasingly severe strategic environment.

Japan is also engaged in diplomatic tensions with China following remarks in November that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt Japanese military involvement.

Tensions in the region are further fuelled by competing claims in the South China Sea, where China continues to assert expansive territorial claims. Japan has voiced support for the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which rejected Beijing’s claims over much of the disputed waters.

Lazaro said both countries recognise the importance of upholding the rule of law, including freedom of navigation and overflight.

Amid escalating regional tensions, Japan has increasingly sought to bolster its defence posture by expanding security cooperation with the United States and other regional partners.