PH, Japan to boost defense, security cooperation
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — The Philippines and Japan will further strengthen their defense and security cooperation after reaching an “agreement in principle” on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA).
The development followed a bilateral meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Sunday, on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit.
Analysts view the enhanced security cooperation, often described as a “quasi-alliance,” as a response to China’s actions in the South China Sea and East China Sea.
Manila and Tokyo did not provide a timeline for signing the ACSA, which has been under negotiation since April, during a visit to Manila by former Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru.
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The ACSA is an agreement for the mutual provision of goods, such as food, fuel, and ammunition, and services, including transportation and medical care, between the two countries.
It will allow the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to share resources during military exercises.
The foreign affairs ministries of both countries must review the draft agreement before it is signed by their defense ministers. Once signed, the ACSA, which is a treaty, will require ratification by the Philippine Senate.
President Marcos highlighted the deepening defense and security cooperation, particularly noting the entry into force of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan in September.
Under the RAA, the Philippine and Japanese militaries conducted their inaugural training exercise, Doshin-Bayanihan 5-25, in October.
Marcos and Takaichi also emphasized the significance of the Philippines–United States–Japan Trilateral Cooperation as a cornerstone of regional peace, stability, and development.
“Both leaders concurred on continuing to strengthen the foundation for security cooperation that contributes to the peace and stability of the Philippines and the region,” according to a summary of the meeting provided by the Japanese prime minister’s office.
READ: Japan-PH relations: Toward a ‘quasi-alliance’
Both leaders looked forward to celebrating the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan in 2026.
Japan also assured support to the Philippines as the chair of Asean next year.
“Taking this into account, both leaders concurred on continuing close coordination in addressing various international challenges, including the situation in the South China Sea, responses to North Korea encompassing nuclear and missile issues and the abduction issue, the situations in Myanmar, and the situations in the Cambodia-Thailand border areas,” according to the summary of the meeting.
