Official announcements from the Philippine and Japanese defense ministries

Philippines and Japan Sign Reciprocal Access Agreement on July 8

Jul 8, 2024, 05:56 AM

The Philippines and Japan have signed a landmark defense pact, known as the Reciprocal Access Agreement, on July 8, 2024. This agreement allows both countries to deploy troops on each other's territory for training, joint military exercises, and live-fire drills. The pact is seen as a significant step in strengthening defense ties between the two nations amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and increasing assertiveness from China. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara were key figures in the signing of the agreement. The deal also marks an unprecedented high in defense relations between the two countries and is expected to enhance regional stability and cooperation. Notably, the agreement was signed on the second death anniversary of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who envisioned stronger democratic alliances in the region.