Reported 11 months ago
On June 25, 2024, the Youth Daily reported that Japan and the Philippines are set to hold a diplomatic and defense '2+2' meeting in July, expected to sign the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA). Following the RAA's effect, Japan plans to involve its Self-Defense Forces in the annual 'Shoulder-to-Shoulder' joint exercises with the US and Philippines. The meeting follows the agreement between Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Marcos last year to initiate RAA negotiations. Japan had been participating as an observer in these exercises; with the RAA soon to be signed, the Self-Defense Forces are likely to formally participate. Japan has already signed RAA with the UK and Australia. The July 8 '2+2' meeting between Japan and the Philippines will further discuss defense equipment exports and logistic support issues following the first meeting in Tokyo in April 2022.
Source: YAHOO