Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement Takes Effect

The Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) came into force today, paving the way for a legal framework of enhanced defense cooperation between the two allies.

In an official statement, the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) said that the agreement is evidence of the "robust strategic partnership" between the two countries, founded on common values and security interests in the Indo-Pacific.

Signed in July 2024 and ratified this year, the deal allows troops from each country to deploy in the other's territory for combined exercises, disaster relief missions, and possible rotational deployments. It also relaxes rules on the transportation of weapons and equipment, while establishing guidelines on jurisdiction over troops.

Philippine military spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla explained to The Japan Times the agreement is "a significant milestone" that will provide "more streamlined and regular interactions" between the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). She further stated that Manila is pursuing expanded joint exercises including amphibious operations, missile defense, cyber defense, and humanitarian assistance.

Philippine Army Brig. Gen. Michael Logico said Japanese troops will have an even greater role in upcoming Balikatan exercises with the U.S. and the Philippines, citing the first official Japanese contribution last year. "We will then be able to really see how much more the JSDF can provide when it comes to future field training exercises, and perhaps some of the combined and joint all-domain operations as well," he said.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has also stated the agreement may open doors for rotational deployments by Japanese troops in the Philippines, just like with American troops.

The Philippines is the fourth nation to sign a visiting-forces agreement with Japan, after the U.S., Australia, and the U.K. Analysts cite the agreement as coming amid Tokyo and Manila experiencing increased tension with China in disputed waters in the East and South China Seas.

The RAA would likely enhance trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and possibly Australia, enhance maritime security ties, and pave the way for enhanced defense-industrial cooperation between Manila and Tokyo.