What's happened
On June 6, 2025, Japan's Diet ratified the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with the Philippines, allowing joint military exercises on each other's territory. This agreement enhances military collaboration amid rising tensions with China, marking a significant step in defense relations between the two nations.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Implications
- The RAA represents a pivotal shift in Japan's defense posture, marking its first military agreement of this nature in Asia since World War II.
- Enhanced military collaboration between Japan and the Philippines is expected to improve deterrence against Chinese aggression in the East and South China Seas.
- The agreement simplifies deployment processes for joint training and disaster relief missions, reflecting a growing trust between the two nations.
Regional Dynamics
- Both countries are closely aligned with the United States, which may further complicate China's strategic calculations in the region.
- Analysts suggest that the RAA could lead to increased military cooperation, including potential information-sharing agreements and expanded joint exercises.
- The pact may provoke a response from China, which could strengthen its ties with North Korea and employ coercive diplomacy against the Philippines as it prepares for its ASEAN chairmanship next year.
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, the RAA's ratification by Japan's Diet completes the approval process, with Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano emphasizing the agreement's role in enhancing military collaboration. The Japan Times highlights the ongoing discussions between defense ministers from both countries to further strengthen military ties amid China's military activities. Analysts from both sources note that the RAA is a response to shared security concerns regarding China's assertiveness in regional waters, indicating a significant shift in defense relations between Japan and the Philippines.
How we got here
The RAA was signed in July 2024, following a visit by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to the Philippines. The agreement aims to facilitate joint military operations and strengthen defense ties amid increasing assertiveness from China in regional waters.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of this agreement for regional security?
- How might China respond to the RAA?
- What other military collaborations are planned between Japan and the Philippines?
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