Tokyo/Manila: Japan and the Philippines have signed a landmark defense agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral security cooperation amid rising tensions with China. Under the pact, both countries can transport ammunition, fuel, food, and other military supplies between their territories without paying any taxes. Officials said the move is intended to counter China’s aggressive actions in regional maritime disputes.
Both nations are currently engaged in territorial disputes with China—Japan in the East China Sea and the Philippines in the South China Sea. The agreement signals a unified stance by Tokyo and Manila in challenging Beijing’s claims. In addition, Japan has pledged supplementary security and economic assistance to the Philippines, including construction of shelters for rescue boats and provision of internet access in underprivileged areas of southern Philippines.
Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro stated that both countries have agreed to uphold law and order, freedom of navigation, and air travel rights in the South China Sea. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi added that Tokyo and Manila will resist any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo in the East and South China Seas.
The pact will come into effect only after ratification by the Japanese Parliament. This builds on a 2024 Reciprocal Access Agreement, which allows both nations to conduct large-scale military deployments and live-fire exercises on each other’s territory. China maintains sovereignty claims over the entire South China Sea and has constructed military installations on artificial islands. However, the Philippines, along with Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, and Taiwan, also assert territorial rights in the region. Tensions between China and Japan persist over islands in the East China Sea, with Japan frequently scrambling fighter jets in response to Chinese Coast Guard and aerial activities.