Japan and the Philippines Sign New Defense Treaty, Also Confirm Importance of Trilateral Cooperation with the United States
Japanese Foreign Minister Masuhara Toshimitsu met with Philippine Foreign Minister Lázaro in Manila on the 15th. The two sides confirmed their intention to strengthen cooperation in the field of security and signed the "Agreement on the Mutual Provision of Supplies (ACSA)" between the Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine Army, which allows the two countries' armed forces to provide ammunition, fuel, food, and other essential supplies duty-free during joint training exercises. Both sides also confirmed the importance of trilateral cooperation with the United States, which maintains an alliance relationship with both Japan and the Philippines.
Japanese Foreign Minister Masuhara Toshimitsu signed the "Japan-Philippines Mutual Assistance Agreement on Supplies" with Philippine Foreign Minister Theresa Lazaro in Manila. During the ceremony, Japan also announced new security and development assistance to the Philippines, including funding for the construction of safe boat houses and expanded internet access in poor provinces in southern Philippines that were affected by ethnic Muslim separatist rebellions.
The Kyodo News pointed out that at the beginning of the meeting, Lazaro mentioned that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines, and stated, "I hope to deepen security cooperation and promote personnel exchanges." Masuhura responded, "In the context of increasingly severe regional strategic environment, the 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' based on the rule of law has become more important. To make this possible, the Philippines is an indispensable presence." The report said that Japan and the Philippines also confirmed the importance of trilateral cooperation with the United States, which maintains an alliance relationship with both Japan and the Philippines. They exchanged views on regional situations and jointly opposed attempts to unilaterally change the status quo through force or coercion. In addition, they agreed to cooperate in the field of economic security, such as strengthening the supply chain of critical minerals.
This military logistics agreement requires approval from the Japanese legislative body before it can take effect, and is the latest important defense treaty concluded by Japan and the Philippines to deepen their security alliance.
According to Japanese and Philippine officials, in addition to promoting joint combat exercises, this will also help Japan and the Philippines jointly respond to natural disasters - a common concern for the two countries - and participate in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
In mid-2024, the two countries signed the "Reciprocal Access Agreement," which allows either side to deploy troops to the other's territory for joint and larger-scale combat exercises, including live-fire drills. The agreement took effect in September.
Japanese and Philippine officials are still negotiating another agreement aimed at enhancing the confidentiality of defense and military information shared between the two countries.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1854430867958796/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.