Japan and the Philippines signed a landmark defense pact on Monday, allowing Japanese forces to be deployed for joint military drills in the Southeast Asian nation. Despite a brutal Japanese occupation during World War II, the Philippines is now forging a strategic alliance with Tokyo as both nations face increasing concerns over China’s growing assertiveness in the region.
The Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which also permits Filipino forces to participate in joint combat training in Japan, was signed by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa in a ceremony held in Manila. The signing was witnessed by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., symbolizing the growing defense collaboration between the two countries. The agreement will come into effect after ratification by both nations’ legislatures.
Foreign Minister Kamikawa hailed the RAA as a “groundbreaking achievement” that would significantly enhance defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines. The pact marks the first of its kind signed by Japan in Asia, though Japan has similar agreements with Australia (2022) and the United Kingdom (2023).
Escalating Tensions with China
The agreement comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions with China, particularly over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The Japanese and Philippine officials expressed grave concern over recent confrontations between Chinese and Philippine forces at Second Thomas Shoal, a flashpoint in the contested waters. Both nations condemned China’s “dangerous and escalatory actions” and reiterated their commitment to maintaining a free and open international order based on the rule of law.
Second Thomas Shoal, a vital maritime passage and part of the resource-rich South China Sea, is claimed in its entirety by China. However, parts of the sea are also contested by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The ongoing disputes over these waters have seen frequent confrontations between Chinese vessels and other nations’ ships, raising the risk of conflict in the region.
In a joint statement, the Japanese and Philippine officials called on the international community to speak out against China’s aggressive behavior and support the preservation of peace and stability in the disputed waters.
China’s Reaction and Historical Tensions
In response to the signing of the RAA, China criticized the move, warning that the Asia-Pacific region does not need new military alliances or confrontational blocs. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian cautioned against what he described as “small groupings” that could provoke tensions reminiscent of a Cold War. He also invoked Japan’s historical record of aggression in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, during World War II, urging Tokyo to “reflect on its past” and act with caution in military matters.
Japan’s recent defense activities, including its growing collaboration with the Philippines, are part of a broader strategic shift under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Japan is moving away from its postwar pacifist stance, bolstering its military capacity in response to regional security threats. This includes a plan to double defense spending by 2027, which would make Japan the world’s third-largest military spender, following the United States and China. This expansion has raised sensitivities among neighboring countries, particularly those that were affected by Japan’s wartime aggression.
Strengthening Alliances in the Indo-Pacific
The new defense pact aligns with President Marcos Jr.’s efforts to strengthen the Philippine military, which is currently limited in its capacity to defend the country’s territorial claims, especially in the disputed South China Sea. Japan’s partnership will complement existing security alliances with the United States, as both Japan and the Philippines are key U.S. treaty allies in the Indo-Pacific region.
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In April 2023, Japan, the Philippines, and the U.S. participated in trilateral talks at the White House, where U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed Washington’s “ironclad” commitment to defend both nations. These alliances are part of a broader U.S. strategy to counter China’s influence and prepare for potential confrontations, including over Taiwan.
Japan, which has its own territorial disputes with China over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea, is particularly concerned about China’s growing military presence in the region. Meanwhile, the Philippines has been involved in a series of escalating confrontations with China in the South China Sea over the past year.
In the most serious incident, Chinese coast guard personnel armed with knives, spears, and axes rammed and damaged two Philippine navy supply vessels at Second Thomas Shoal in June. The violent altercation, which injured several Filipino sailors, prompted a strong protest from Manila and demands for $1 million in damages, as well as the return of seized navy rifles.
Both Japan and the U.S. were quick to condemn the Chinese actions, urging Beijing to comply with international maritime laws. Washington, under its defense treaty with Manila, is obligated to protect the Philippines in case of an armed attack, including in the South China Sea.
A Strategic Partnership for a Tense Region
The Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement represents a significant step toward a stronger military partnership between the two nations. As China continues to exert its influence in the Indo-Pacific, the alliance between Japan and the Philippines, backed by the United States, is poised to play a crucial role in maintaining regional security and stability.
