The Philippines and Japan have agreed a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) to enhance defence cooperation. Aiming for an independent foreign policy, Ferdinand Marcos Jr is aiming to diversify the country’s security partnerships. Both countries have considerable concerns over China’s maritime assertiveness in the area. Once ratified, the pact will pave the way for large-scale joint exercises and defence equipment transfers. Although it is not a defence treaty, it is an effort to further ‘promote security and defence cooperation between the two countries and firmly support peace and stability in the region’. It focuses on enhancing readiness for potential contingencies, particularly around Taiwan. Japan's favourable standing in the Philippines, coupled with its role as a major trade partner and investor, underscores the strategic importance of this pact.
Japan / Philippines: mutual defence agreement
Written by David Fletcher 11 Jul 2024![Japan / Philippines: mutual defence agreement](/media/k2/items/cache/4237f550f7f598fdfd0a7cece45e62f1_L.jpg)
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- Pray: for the two governments to have wisdom about how to implement and improve this pact. (Isaiah 41:10)
- More: asiatimes.com/2024/07/new-japan-philippine-defense-pact-pushes-back-at-china/
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