IRIA News

Japan and the Philippines signed a pivotal defense pact in Manila on July 8, 2024. The defense pact would allow the deployment of Japanese forces for joint drills in the Philippines and deployment of the Filipino troops in Japan for joint combat training.

The Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), was signed by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa in Manila. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr was also present during signing the ceremony. The agreement marks a deepening of defense cooperation between the two nations as they face an increasingly assertive China.

Foreign Minister Kamikawa hailed the signing as “a groundbreaking achievement” that will significantly boost defense cooperation between Manila and Tokyo. The Japanese and Philippine officials highlighted that the agreement is a precautionary measure amid China’s “dangerous and escalatory actions” in the South China Sea.

In response to the recent development, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that “The Asia-Pacific region does not need military blocs, let alone small groupings that instigate bloc confrontations or a new Cold War.” Lin also reminded Japan of its World War II-era atrocities in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, and urged Tokyo to reflect on its aggressive history.

Two nations, one vision! The 2nd 🇵🇭🇯🇵 Foreign & Defense Ministerial Meeting is a testament to our enduring friendship, highlighting shared values as we celebrate decades of cooperation. Together, we make significant progress in our mutual goals #2Plus2Meeting pic.twitter.com/5FPk9pkzc5

— Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines (@AmbJPNinPH) July 8, 2024

The historical context of Japanese aggression during World War II retains a sensitive history for many of its many Asian neighbors, especially the Philippines which came under brutal Japanese occupation during that time.

However, Japan and the Philippines have been steadily enhancing their defense and security ties. This alignment has been increasing since President Marcos took office in Manila and worked to strengthen security alliances as well as bolster his country’s military capacity to defend its territorial claims in the South China Sea.

On the other hand, Japanese leadership also aims security ties with regional allies amid China’s rise and North Korea’s increasing military actions. Under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Tokyo has been bolstering its security and defense capabilities, including developing a counterstrike capability.

This shift marks a deviation from Japan’s postwar self-defense-only stance. Japan plans to double its defense spending over five years, making it the world’s third-largest military spender after the United States and China.

The U.S., a treaty ally of both Japan and the Philippines, has also been fortifying its military alliances in the Indo-Pacific to counter China’s growing influence and reassure its regional partners. In April, leaders from Japan, the Philippines, and the U.S. held trilateral talks at the White House, where President Joe Biden reaffirmed Washington’s “ironclad” commitment to defend both nations.

Maritime and territorial disputes

Japan has long been in territorial disputes with China over islands in the East China Sea, while the Philippines has faced numerous confrontations with Chinese coast guard and navy ships in the South China Sea. The most severe incident occurred on June 17, when Chinese coast guard personnel, armed with knives, spears, and an ax, rammed and destroyed two Philippine Navy supply vessels at Second Thomas Shoal, injuring several Filipino sailors and seizing seven navy rifles.

The Japanese and Philippine officials condemned China’s actions at the shoal, stating they “obstructed freedom of navigation and disrupted supply lines, thus, increasing tensions.” Japanese officials, including Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiji Kihara, have strongly opposed China’s regional maritime practices, emphasizing the need for a stable and secure maritime environment.

The Philippines lodged a strong protest against China’s actions and demanded $1 million in damages and the return of the confiscated rifles. China, however, accused the Philippines of instigating the violence by entering what it claims as Chinese territorial waters. In contrast, Japan and the U.S. have called on Beijing to adhere to international laws, with Washington reaffirming its defense obligations to the Philippines.