MANILA, Philippines – Key defense agreements between Japan and the Philippines are expected to promote security and cooperation between the forces of the two countries, and to firmly support peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, Japan’s envoy said.
In a press briefing aboard Japan’s Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer JS Ise docked in Manila, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya expressed optimism on the increasing cooperation between Japan and the Philippines.
He mentioned the recent ratification of the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) and the commencement of negotiations on the Japan-Philippines Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), as well as discussions on the “possibility of concluding a future agreement on security of information.”
“The implementation of Japan-Philippine RAA is expected to further promote security and defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines, and to firmly support peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” Endo said.
The RAA was ratified by the Philippine Senate last December 16, 2024 and ratified by the Japanese Diet (parliament) on June 6, 2025.
The Philippines and Japan signed the crucial military agreement on July 8, 2024 as the two nations’ foreign and defense ministers met during the “2+2” meeting in Manila, following discussions during then Prime Minister Kishida Fumio’s visit to the Philippines last year.
In a statement from the Japanese Foreign Ministry, it stated that the RAA “will facilitate the implementation of cooperative activities, such as joint exercises and disaster relief between Japan and the Philippines and improve interoperability between the forces of the two countries.”
Aside from the RAA, the ACSA and the security of information agreement will allow both countries to share classified information, essential in strengthening cooperation between the two forces.
Apart from the agreements, Endo reiterated Japan’s commitment to support the modernization of the Philippine’s Armed Forces, through its Official Security Assistance (OSA) framework and transfer of defense equipment, Endo added.
Japan calls out China Coast Guard actions in SCS
Japan expressed support and opposition to what it called China’s “unilateral attempts” to change the status quo “by force” after China Coast Guard vessels used water cannons and aggressive maneuvers against Filipino fishermen at the disputed Scarborough Shoal on Friday.
“We oppose any unilateral change, unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force, as well as any actions that increase tensions in the South China Sea,” Endo said during the press briefing.
“We are concerned about the repeated harassment and actions involving the use of water cannons. We would like to stress the importance of respecting the UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” Endo added.
According to Endo, Japan considers the Philippines as an important strategic partner for peace and stability in the region.
“The Philippines is an important strategic partner of Japan for peace and stability in the region, as it is a maritime nation and a neighbor that shares sea lanes with Japan and faces similar strategic challenges at sea,” stressed Endo.
“Japan and the Philippines stand united in advancing the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and we recognize that the principles of freedom of navigation adherence to international law and respect for sovereignty are essential to the continued prosperity and security of our peoples,” the Ambassador reiterated.
