MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines and Japan signed on Thursday a defense logistics agreement aimed to enhance the “mutual military interoperability and readiness” between the two countries’ forces.
In a ceremony held in Pasay City, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu signed the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA), concerning the reciprocal provision of supplies and services between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan (JSDF).
The ACSA is “complementary” to the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) which was signed by both countries in 2024, allowing the deployment of Japanese forces for joint drills with their Philippine counterparts.
In her statement delivered after the signing, Lazaro underscored the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan, particularly both countries’ commitment to the rule of law.
“Japan is a vital strategic partner of the Philippines, and our relationship will continue to be bound by shared values of democracy, respect for the rule of law, and a commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region,” Lazaro stated.
Both officials also signed and exchanged notes for the Official Security Assistance (OSA) from Japan, in support of the Philippines’ initiative to “modernize the capabilities of our Armed Forces,” Lazaro added.
According to the DFA, the assistance from Japan for Japanese fiscal year 2025 is JPY 900 million (approximately PHP 341 million).
The Philippines and Japan also exchanged notes for the Grant Aid for the Establishment of Wireless Broadband Connectivity for Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa), amounting to JPY 1.063 billion (approximately PHP 617 million), in support of the enhancement of connectivity and digital access in the Sulu archipelago.
“The signing of these agreements reflect the close and evolving collaboration between the Philippines and Japan under our Strengthened Strategic Partnership, and support ongoing collaboration across priority areas of the relationship, as we mark this year the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations,” Lazaro enthused.
Japan expresses support for PH’s ASEAN Chairship, trilateral cooperation with U.S.
Meanwhile, both officials also discussed the Philippines’ Chairship and hosting of this year’s ASEAN Summit, stating the stability of Southeast Asia is “crucial” to the prosperity of the entire region.
According to Motegi, Japan is “fully committed” to support the Philippines’ efforts as this year’s ASEAN Chair, so that ASEAN is able to exercise its unity and centrality.
Foreign Minister Motegi also expressed “serious concerns” over the continuation and intensification of unilateral attempts to change the status quo “by force or coercion” in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, pushing for closer cooperation to ensure a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), based on the rule of rule.
He earlier expressed Tokyo's objection over "unilateral attempts" to change the status quo by force or coercion in the region.
This was aired by the Japanese official during the 20th East Asia Summit on the sidelines of the ASEAN Leaders' Summit in Malaysia last October 2025.
According to Motegi, Japan is “seriously concerned” that dangerous and coercive activities are intensifying in the South China Sea, and urged parties to settle their maritime disputes peacefully by complying with the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Award.
Minister Motegi and Secretary Lazaro also confirmed the strategic importance of deepening Japan-US-Philippines trilateral cooperation and the US engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, in addition to the bilateral efforts, and concurred on promoting concrete cooperation including in the area of maritime security.
“We intend to strengthen our cooperation with the US, our common ally for the peace and stability in the region,” Motegi said.
After the visit, Motegi will wrap-up his nine-day Middle East and Asia tour, consisting of stops in Israel, Palestine, Qatar, Philippines, and finally to India.
