Japan and the Philippines have signed a new defence pact aimed at strengthening military cooperation and deterring what both countries describe as a growing security threat from China, while also enhancing their ability to respond to natural disasters and participate in UN peacekeeping missions.
The agreement, officially known as the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), was signed on Thursday in Manila by Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro. The pact allows the tax-free exchange of key military supplies, including ammunition, fuel, food, and other logistical necessities, during joint training and operations.
Strengthening Regional Deterrence
The logistical agreement, which must still be ratified by Japan’s parliament, represents the latest step in deepening the Japan–Philippines security alliance amid rising tensions in the East China Sea and South China Sea.
Tokyo has grown increasingly concerned about Beijing’s regional posture, particularly following recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who warned that any Chinese military action against Taiwan could potentially trigger Japanese involvement.
Both Japan and the Philippines are U.S. treaty allies and have separate territorial disputes with China, disputes that analysts warn could draw Washington into a wider regional confrontation.
Beyond Military Cooperation
According to officials from both countries, the new pact is not limited to defence deterrence. It will also enhance cooperation in disaster response, a critical priority for two nations frequently affected by earthquakes, typhoons, and other natural catastrophes.
In addition, the agreement supports joint participation in UN peacekeeping missions, further expanding bilateral security collaboration beyond combat readiness.
Part of a Broader Security Framework
The ACSA follows the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) signed in mid-2024, which allows the deployment of Japanese and Philippine forces on each other’s territory for expanded joint military exercises, including live-fire drills. That agreement entered into force in September 2025.
Officials from both sides are also negotiating a separate pact to safeguard highly classified military and defence information, underscoring the growing depth of trust between the two governments.
Message to Beijing
During earlier talks announcing negotiations for the pact, former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized opposition to “any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo through force or coercion” in the East and South China seas—remarks widely interpreted as a warning to China.
China continues to claim nearly the entire South China Sea, where it has expanded its naval and coast guard presence and constructed artificial island bases. Several countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, also contest Beijing’s claims.
Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippines has taken a firmer stance toward China, marking a clear shift from the more conciliatory approach of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
A Strategic Indo-Pacific Signal
The new defence pact highlights Japan and the Philippines’ shared commitment to a “free and open Indo-Pacific” based on the rule of law, as both countries seek to counter growing regional instability through closer military and strategic cooperation.
