Manila, Tokyo strengthen defence alliance with new military access pact

By Elan Castañares

The Philippines and Japan have taken a historic step in strengthening their strategic partnership with the ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) – a defence agreement allowing both countries to deploy military forces into each other’s territories for joint training and operations.

Signed in July 2024 and ratified by both countries by mid-2025, the RAA marked a major leap in regional security cooperation.

What is the RAA?

The Reciprocal Access Agreement serves as the legal framework for military cooperation, enabling Japanese and Filipino forces to conduct joint exercises, humanitarian assistance and disaster response activities within each other’s borders.

It outlined rules on jurisdiction, logistics, entry and exit protocols and civilian involvement during such deployments, Rappler reported.

The pact mirrors similar agreements Japan holds with Australia and the United Kingdom and complements the Philippines’ existing Visiting Forces Agreements with the United States and Australia.

The RAA was signed in Manila on July 8, 2024, ratified by President Marcos in November and approved by the Philippine Senate in December 2024.

Meanwhile, Japan’s National Diet ratified the RAA on June 6, 2025.

Regional implications, responses

While the agreement has been welcomed by defence officials and policymakers in both countries, China has criticised the move.

The Chinese military described it as an attempt to provoke tension in the South China Sea and warned against involving non-regional actors in maritime disputes, Inquirer.net said in a news report.  

Despite this, the Philippines continues to deepen cooperation with regional allies, including through joint patrols with the United States and now Japan.

According to Rappler, security analysts say the RAA strengthens Japan’s proactive security role and supports the Philippines’ Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, which aims to secure the nation’s vast maritime domain through external partnerships.

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Military cooperation in action

Shortly after ratification, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted their first major Maritime Co-operative Activity in the South China Sea.

The exercises included anti-submarine warfare drills, coordinated patrols and helicopter manoeuvres, highlighting increased interoperability.

“The RAA reinforces our mutual dedication to a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific,” said AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr, citing China’s growing assertiveness in the region as a key security challenge.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad noted the RAA allows Filipino troops to train with a technologically advanced ally, benefiting the AFP’s modernisation efforts, Manila Bulletin reported.

Next steps

The next stage is the crafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the RAA, which will dictate its operational mechanics.

The AFP confirmed that drafting is underway but no fixed timeline has been provided, according to a GMA news report.

Once in place, the IRR will legally guide deployments and ensure the agreement aligns with Philippine law.

Both countries are expected to continue expanding joint military activities, enhancing disaster response capabilities and deepening economic and cultural co-operation in the lead-up to the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2026.

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