PH, Japan Defense collaboration agreement strengthens
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday issued a statement, saying the purpose of the proposed Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan is to support the planned actions of both countries, with an emphasis on maintaining an international order based on norms.
The administration declared on Friday that following President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.'s meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, talks for the RAA—which is the equivalent of the Philippines' Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States—would finally begin.
AFP Spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar stressed that talks between Manila and Tokyo would define the details of the access agreement, with an emphasis on how it would support the activities of the two countries.
The accord is being promoted as a means to enhance the security connections between both nations and enable collaborative military drills.
Japan has previously participated as an observer in the yearly Balikatan exercises and engaged in smaller joint training sessions with the Philippine Coast Guard.
Furthermore, in the negotiations, the Philippines will prioritize its national security interests and seek to leverage the opportunities presented by Japan, the United States, and other allied nations.
"This has a big impact on strengthening the country's defense because having allies, having friends, having forces that are ready to join you should there be a need for... not only in terms of war but also addressing natural calamities," he said.
In addition to its Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States, the Philippines also has a similar agreement in place with Australia.
Such partnerships facilitate joint training and the sharing of military equipment and assets among Filipino and foreign soldiers.
During a joint conference, Prime Minister Kishida expressed Japan's commitment to enhancing the maritime law enforcement capabilities of the Philippines, including the provision of patrol vessels, defense equipment, and technological cooperation, such as the transfer of warning and control radar technology. This is part of Japan's support for the Philippines in this regard.
During their meeting on Friday, Marcos and Kishida reiterated their dedication to upholding freedom of navigation and overflight in the East and South China Seas, underscoring the importance of following a "rules-based approach to address conflicting claims in maritime regions."
As "two maritime nations linked by common fundamental values and shared strategic interests," the Philippines and Japan pledged to work together on economic, political, and security-related matters back in 2011.
Both countries "affirmed that the principles of unhindered navigation, free trade, and adherence to established international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and peaceful dispute resolution, are in the best interests of both nations and the broader region," including the South China Sea," in a joint statement released that same year.
