Japan, Philippines seek pact to further defence cooperation amid tensions with China

Japan and the Philippines agreed Saturday to start talks toward a possible defence agreement that would allow closer cooperation between their militaries amid regional tensions with China and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi and their Philippine counterparts, Teodoro Locsin and Delfin Lorenzana, in their first so-called “2+2” security meeting, agreed to begin formal discussions about a possible reciprocal access agreement — a defence pact that would allow their troops to visit each other's countries for training and to exchange defence equipment to increase interoperability and cooperation.

Japan and the Philippines, both US allies, have in recent years stepped up joint exercises and defence cooperation. In 2020, Tokyo and Manila agreed on the export of Japanese air radar systems to the Philippine military.

Japan, Philippines oppose 'actions that may increase tensions' in the East and South China seas

On Saturday, the four ministers strongly opposed “actions that may increase tensions” in the East and South China seas and affirmed their commitment to a rules-based approach to resolving competing claims under international law. They also said Russia's aggression in Ukraine affects not only Europe but also Asia under the international order, which does not accept any unilateral change to internationally recognised borders by force.

Though it was implicit that China was their main concern, they carefully avoided identifying that country by name.

“We agreed that it's timely to look into the possibility of further expanding our defence cooperation and activities" and to explore ways to conduct capacity and capability building activity “to address issues of mutual concern,” Lorenzana told a joint news conference after the talks.

Kishi said the first “2+2” meeting marks “the beginning of the two countries' efforts toward further deepening their security ties.” In January, Japan signed a defence cooperation pact with Australia — the first such agreement for Canberra other than with the United States, which is Japan's only ally.

Japan in recent years has significantly expanded security talks and joint drills with the U.S. and other partners that share its concerns about China's assertion of its territorial claims in the region, which is home some of the world's busiest sea lanes.