Japan, Philippines step up security cooperation amid China’s influence

Japan and the Philippines step up talks on a Reciprocal Access Agreement to counter China’s influence. Defense ministers of the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific’

In response to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region, Japan and the Philippines have decided to accelerate negotiations on a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) to strengthen their security cooperation.

The Philippines Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro and his Japanese counterpart Kihara Minoru met in Hawaii, United States, to discuss this strategic partnership.

According to Japan’s Ministry of Defense, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a “free and open Indo-Pacific” based on the rule of law.

As part of this effort, they agreed to accelerate negotiations for the RAA, which is expected to strengthen security ties between Japan and the Philippines and facilitate joint military exercises.

Following the meeting, Kihara expressed optimism about the agreement, saying it will contribute to building a multi-layered network with like-minded countries and enhancing regional deterrence capabilities.

Negotiations for the RAA began in November 2023, and if finalized, it would be Japan’s first RAA with a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

$13 billion budget

As part of its broader strategy to counter Chinese influence, Japan has also committed to transfer equipment to the Philippines armed forces for coastal surveillance operations.

This initiative is being carried out under the Official Development Assistance (ODA) framework, and Japan has allocated a budget of $13 million to various Indo-Pacific countries, including the Philippines, Bangladesh, Fiji and Malaysia.

Source: AA