PH, Japan sign mutual defense and security logistics accord

The Philippines and Japan on Thursday signed a defense agreement that allows reciprocal provision of supplies and services during combined exercises, training, disaster response and peacekeeping operations.

Signed in Manila by Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro and Japanese counterpart Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, the Philippines-Japan Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement or ACSA aims to strengthen operational coordination between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and tge Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), the two diplomats said.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agreed to finalize the pact on the sidelines of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Malaysia in October last year.

"Japan is a strategic partner of the Philippines and we will continue to be guided by the shared value of democracy, respect for the rule of law and a commitment to peace stability and prosperity the region," Lazaro said.

Both countries in 2024 signed a key defense pact, called Reciprocal.Access Agreement, which allows the deployment of Japanese forces for joint drills with Filipino troops in the Philippines.

The ACSA, according to Lazaro, aims to enhance "mutual operability and readiness" that complements the RAA.

Lazaro and Motegi also held an Exchange of Notes for the Official Security Assistance (OSA) from Japan for Japanese fiscal year 2025, amounting to 900 million Japanese yen or approximately P341 million.

Japan's fresh assistance will support the Philippines’ initiative to modernize the capabilities of its armed forces.

The Philippines and Japan are establishing closer security ties in reaction to China's aggressive territorial assertions in the South China Sea and a part of the waters nearest to the Philippine archipelago, called West Philippine Sea.

China and Japan are also locked in a long-running territorial dispute over the Senkaku islands, which the Chinese call Diaoyu, in the East Sea.

The Philippines is 11th country to have an ACSA with Japan. Japan has similar agreements with the United States, Australia, Netherlands, and New Zealand.

Goods and services to be provided under the ACSA include:

• Fuel, lubricants, and oils
• Food
• Water
• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Clothing
• Communications services
• Medical services
• Base support
• Storage services
• Facility usage
• Training services
• Parts and components
• Maintenance and repair services
• Airport and port services
• Ammunition

The agreement, according to Japan, "will contribute to enabling the JSDF and AFP to fulfill their respective roles more efficiently in joint training and activities that contribute to international peace and security, among others."

"As defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines progresses, the agreement is expected to further promote bilateral collaborative activities," it added.  —AOL, GMA Integrated News