Philippines, Japan sign new defense pact amid fraying relations with China

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January 15, 2026 | 3:02pm

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Japan took another step in their expanding defense ties on Thursday, January 15, signing a new pact that will allow their militaries to share supplies and services during joint exercises and operations.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu signed the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) in a bilateral meeting in Manila today, along with two assistance packages totaling nearly P1 billion for defense modernization and digital connectivity in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

The ACSA allows the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Japan's Self-Defense Forces to provide each other with fuel, food, ammunition, and other supplies during joint activities. This adds to the landmark Reciprocal Access Agreement, which took effect last year — signed by both countries in July 2024 — that opened the door for Japanese troops to train and operate in Philippine territory for the first time since World War II.

Japan is a major security partner for Manila and has become increasingly central to its strategy of countering Beijing's growing aggression in the South China Sea outside of its alliance with the United States.  

Both countries face their own maritime tensions with Beijing — Manila over repeated confrontations in the West Philippine Sea, Tokyo over the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands—but Japan-China relations have hit their lowest point in years under the recently elected Prime Minister Sanae Takichi. The Japanese leader's recent remarks linking Taiwan's security to Japan's survival was followed by Chinese trade bans and a December radar lock-on incident near Okinawa.

Expanding assistance

Lazaro said in a statement after the meeting that Japan committed ¥900 million (approximately ?341 million) in Official Security Assistance for 2026 to help modernize the AFP's capabilities. 

Another ¥1.63 billion (approximately ?617 million) has been committed by Japan to fund wireless broadband infrastructure in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, areas long plagued by insurgency and poor connectivity.  

Beyond defense, Lazaro and Motegi discussed Japan's role in Philippine infrastructure through Official Development Assistance loans, trade under the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, and cooperation on semiconductors, supply chain security, and the Luzon Economic Corridor — a US-backed infrastructure initiative connecting Manila to key economic zones in northern Luzon.

The two ministers also covered agricultural trade, particularly Philippine banana exports to Japan, and development plans for Mindanao.

Lazaro thanked Japan for its economic and security assistance. "The signing of these agreements reflect the close and evolving collaboration between the Philippines and Japan under our Strengthened Strategic Partnership," she said.

South China Sea

Both sides also stressed their commitment to a rules-based order governed by international law and peaceful dispute resolution — language that has become standard in Manila and even Tokyo's joint statements amid China's actions in the South China Sea.

Lazaro and Motegi also spoke of the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, where Philippine and Chinese vessels repeatedly clash over contested reefs and waters.