Japan and the Philippines have signed two defense pacts, including a deal allowing their forces to share supplies and services. The move is seen as an effort to strengthen their security cooperation in response to China’s growing maritime activities in the region.
Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu signed the deals with his counterpart Maria Theresa Lazaro. The first is the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement. It’s designed to enable the swift provision of supplies and services between Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The ministers also signed Japan’s Official Security Assistance project for the 2025 fiscal year. It’s the first infrastructure project under Japan’s OSA program, which constructs boathouses and slipways for the Philippine Navy.
The ministers shared concerns over China’s attempts to change the status quo by force in the East and South China seas. They also agreed on the importance of America’s continuing engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. Motegi said “it is essential” to enhance cooperation between Japan, the US and Philippines.
After the Philippines, Motegi traveled to India and met with Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The pair discussed the importance of the Quad framework in the Indo-Pacific, which takes in Japan, the US, India and Australia.
AloJapan.com