Japan and Philippines’ defense pact seeks to counter China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea

The “Reciprocal Access Agreement” allows for the exchange of military forces between Japan and the Philippines for training and joint military exercises.

The defense pact seeks to counter China’s aggression in the region and create deterrence that goes beyond reliance on the U.S., experts told CNBC.

Officials from both countries have also pledged deeper cooperation on economy, people-to-people exchanges, regional and international conflicts, and technology.

Japan and Philippines’ defense pact signed on Monday seeks to counter China’s increasing aggression in the region and create deterrence that goes beyond reliance on the U.S., experts told CNBC.

The “Reciprocal Access Agreement,” which comes against the backdrop of tensions between the Philippines and China over the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, allows exchange of armed forces for training and joint military exercises between Tokyo and Manila. 

The deal was signed in Manila by Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa in the presence of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.