Reported about 1 year ago
The Philippines and Japan have signed a 'Reciprocal Access Agreement' (RAA) today, allowing each other's forces to enter their territories for exercises, marking a defense cooperation milestone between former WWII enemies. Under Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s witness, the agreement was signed in Manila by Filipino Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Anjō. The agreement, allowing joint exercises including live-fire drills, requires approval from respective parliaments to come into effect. The agreement signals Japan's shift to bolster security and defense capabilities in response to threats from North Korea and China's assertiveness, with Japan being the third-largest defense spender globally. This move aligns with Filipino efforts to enhance defense in the South China Sea, while the US seeks to strengthen alliances in the Indo-Pacific to counter China and potential Taiwan Strait conflicts.
Source: YAHOO