By: Aries A. Arugay & Mico A. Galang
Published: 13 September 2024
ISEAS Perspective 2024/70
„EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- Signed in July 2024, the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between Japan and the Philippines aims to facilitate regular exchanges and activities between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Japanese Self-Defence Forces (JSDF).
- Similar to a visiting forces agreement, the RAA is the third cooperative defence undertaking for both nations given years of closer security cooperation as well as a response to increased regional geopolitical uncertainty.
- Since embarking on a strategic partnership in 2015, Japan and the Philippines have expanded security cooperation that includes Japan’s assistance in the modernisation of the Philippine coast guard, a military hardware transfer agreement, Japan’s provision of Official Security Assistance (OSA), and the forging of a new trilateral with the United States (US).
- Heightened geopolitical uncertainty in the region involving multiple flashpoints has accelerated security cooperation between Japan and the Philippines.
- Despite possible domestic political challenges in both countries, it is expected that the RAA will be ratified speedily and act as a security buffer especially at a time when the regional commitment of the US hangs in the balance in light of its upcoming presidential elections.”
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* Aries A. Arugay is Visiting Senior Fellow and Coordinator of the Philippine Studies Programme, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute and Professor of Political Science, University of the Philippines-Diliman. Mico A. Galang is a member of the Young Leaders Program, Pacific Forum (Hawaii, United States).
The article was published by ISEAS.
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The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position or view of IRSEA