Philippines and Japan sign defence agreement amid China's aggressive behaviour in the region

On Monday, 8 July, the Philippines and Japan signed a key defence agreement that will allow them to deploy troops on each other's territory. The rapprochement between the two countries comes amid China's growing assertiveness.

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The RAA was signed in Manila, where Japanese Defence Minister Minoru Kihara and Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa held talks with their Philippine counterparts Gilberto Teodoro and Enrique Manalo.

The agreement, which Tokyo and Manila began discussing in November, provides a legal framework for Japan and the Philippines to send defence personnel to each other's territory for training and other operations.

Teodoro and Kamikawa signed the agreement at the presidential palace. It will enter into force after ratification by the legislatures of both countries.

The signing is "another milestone in our joint efforts to ensure a rules-based international order, peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and especially in our region," Teodoro told reporters.

The Philippines and Japan are longtime allies of the United States, which has recently been more active in strengthening alliances with allies in the region, from Canberra to Tokyo, to counter China's military power and influence. At the same time, Chinese officials have accused the United States of trying to create an Asia-Pacific version of NATO.

Tensions between the Chinese and the Philippines have increased in recent years as Beijing has stepped up efforts to lay claim to almost the entire South China Sea.

Source: The Defence Post