The signing of a significant military agreement between the Philippines and Japan took place yesterday amidst escalating tensions in the South China Sea.
The Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) was signed during a “2+2” meeting in Manila, following a previous meeting in Tokyo in April 2022.
The RAA, initially discussed during Prime Minister Kishida Fumio’s visit to the Philippines, aims to streamline the process for allowing troops from both countries to conduct joint exercises and other cooperative activities on each other’s soil.
According to a statement from the Japanese Foreign Ministry, the RAA will promote mutual activities such as joint exercises and disaster relief efforts, enhancing cooperation and interoperability between the armed forces of both nations.
Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo of the Philippines highlighted that the RAA elevates the defense partnership between the two countries to new heights. Japan’s Defense Minister Minoru Kihara described it as a groundbreaking deal that will improve cooperation between their respective forces.
The RAA is Japan’s third reciprocal access pact, following similar agreements with Australia and the United Kingdom, with discussions ongoing for a similar deal with France.
The agreement is a response to the escalating security concerns in the South China Sea, particularly China’s heightened incursions into Philippine waters, leading to dangerous encounters.
The joint press briefing emphasized the ministers’ serious concern over China’s actions at Second Thomas Shoal. Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The signing of the RAA has drawn criticism from China, with a Foreign Ministry spokesperson cautioning Japan to reflect on its history and urging careful consideration in military security matters.
The RAA will come into effect upon ratification by the Philippine Senate and Japanese parliament.