Japan and the Philippines have signed a significant defense agreement, allowing Japanese forces to participate in joint military exercises, including live-fire drills, in the Philippines. This marks a historic moment, as the two nations once had a turbulent history during World War II when Japan occupied the Philippines. Today, however, they are uniting against common security threats, particularly from an increasingly assertive China.

The Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) permits Filipino forces to enter Japan for joint combat training. This landmark pact was signed by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa in Manila, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in attendance. The agreement will come into effect once ratified by both countries' legislatures.

Kamikawa hailed the signing as a "groundbreaking achievement," emphasizing its role in enhancing defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines. She highlighted the importance of maintaining a "free and open international order based on the rule of law" for regional peace and prosperity, expressing a desire to work closely with the Philippines to strengthen this order.

Following the ceremony, Kamikawa and Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara engaged in talks with their Philippine counterparts to explore further deepening of their defense relations.

This defense pact is Japan's first such agreement in Asia. Previously, Japan established similar accords with Australia in 2022 and the UK in 2023. Under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Japan has been increasing its security and defensive capabilities, including developing a counterstrike capability. This shift, deviating from Japan's postwar focus on self-defense, comes amid threats from North Korea and China's growing assertiveness. Japan is set to double its defense spending over five years, aiming to become the world's third-largest military spender after the US and China.

The legacy of Japan's past aggression during World War II is sensitive for many Asian countries, including the Philippines. However, Japan and the Philippines have been progressively strengthening their defense and security ties.

Prime Minister Kishida's efforts align with President Marcos' strategy to build security alliances that bolster the Philippine military’s ability to protect its territorial interests in the South China Sea. This vital sea passage, a major global trade route, is largely claimed by China but also contested by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.

The US has also been reinforcing military alliances in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China and reassure its Asian allies. Japan and the Philippines, both treaty allies of the US, held three-way talks with President Biden in April at the White House, where he reaffirmed Washington's commitment to defend both nations.

Japan faces its own territorial disputes with China over islands in the East China Sea. Meanwhile, tensions have escalated in the South China Sea between Chinese and Philippine coast guard and navy ships. A particularly severe incident occurred on June 17 when Chinese coast guard personnel attacked and destroyed two Philippine navy supply vessels in the Second Thomas Shoal, injuring several Filipino sailors and seizing navy rifles. The Philippines protested the Chinese actions, demanding compensation and the return of the rifles, while China accused the Philippines of provoking the confrontation.

Japan and the US quickly condemned the Chinese actions, urging Beijing to adhere to international laws. The US is obligated to defend the Philippines under their mutual defense treaty if Filipino forces are attacked, including in the South China Sea.