By JP SORIANO, GMA Integrated News
In a significant move underscoring deepening defense cooperation, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Philippine President Bongbong Marcos jointly announced the formation of two pivotal agreements—the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and a Security of Information Agreement.
These accords are set to pave the way for more frequent visits and enhanced collaboration between the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
In an interview with GMA Integrated News, Kobayashi-Terada Maki, Japan’s Cabinet Secretary for Public Affairs, said that the ACSA aims to facilitate increased port calls, more joint exercises, and fuller engagement between the two nations' defense forces.
“Together with the Regional Assistance Agreement (RAA) and upcoming negotiations for the ACSA, our defense forces will engage more actively through activities such as port calls and comprehensive joint exercises. This will help improve our own capabilities and enhance interoperability,” she explained.
In tandem with the ACSA, the Security of Information Agreement is set to formalize the exchange of vital defense and security information between Japan and the Philippines.
Secretary Kobayashi emphasized that this mechanism will enable both the JSDF and AFP to securely share strategic insights—information crucial for safeguarding Philippine interests, especially in sensitive areas such as the West Philippine Sea.
“The leaders agreed to start discussions for future negotiations of this military information agreement. We are beginning with the ACSA and expanding into crucial information sharing,” she added.
Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba’s visit to the Philippines further highlights the commitment to defense partnership. Part of his itinerary includes a stop at the Philippine Coast Guard Headquarters, where he will personally inspect vessels recently supplied by Japan. His objective is to assess the operational readiness of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and determine additional support measures that Japan can offer.
“By directly observing the high standards and adaptability of the PCG, the Prime Minister seeks to understand how we can further assist in meeting their needs,” noted Secretary Kobayashi.
The timing of Prime Minister Ishiba’s Philippine visit is notable. It comes just days after Beijing’s contentious claim over the Pag-asa (Sandy) Cays—a claim that has been firmly rejected by the Philippine government.
This development is compounded by ongoing reports of dangerous maneuvers and unauthorized patrols by the China Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea. Japan has reiterated its stance against any unilateral actions aimed at altering the status quo through force or coercion.
“We have always maintained that any unilateral changes, whether by force or coercion, are unacceptable. International tribunal award decisions should be respected as they stand,” Secretary Kobayashi stressed.
Japan’s Cabinet Secretary for Public Affairs Kobayashi-Terada Maki. JP SORIANO/ GMA Integrated News
Asked about Japan’s support for establishing a Code of Conduct (COC) among China, the Philippines, and other ASEAN nations with overlapping claims in the South China Sea, Kobayashi underscored the importance of peaceful dialogue.
“A peaceful resolution through dialogue is paramount. Establishing a Code of Conduct will ensure that any attempts to change the status quo by force are addressed constructively. This is the way forward once mutual agreements are reached,” she stated.
Experts note that this enhanced cooperation between Japan and the Philippines not only reinforces their longstanding defense ties but also serves as a strategic counterbalance amid regional security challenges. Strengthened interoperability through these agreements is expected to contribute to broader stability in the contested maritime regions, underpinning rules-based international order and ensuring that diplomatic channels remain open for resolving disputes.
As the discussions advance, closer military collaboration through joint exercises, additional port visits, and secure information exchanges is poised to create a robust defense network in the region—significantly enhancing the operational readiness and responsiveness of both the JSDF and the AFP. —VAL, GMA Integrated NEws
