PH, Japan agree on new defense pact for military cooperation

The Philippines and Japan have agreed in principle on a new defense pact that will facilitate the exchange of supplies and services between their armed forces.

This Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) aims to improve military coordination and resource-sharing for joint exercises, humanitarian efforts, and other operations.

The agreement was welcomed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae during their first bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit.

Negotiations for the ACSA began in April and this pact follows closely after the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) which allows for troop deployments for joint drills and disaster relief.

The RAA was recently utilized for the first time to transport relief goods to Cebu following an earthquake.

Both leaders expressed their commitment to enhancing security cooperation for the peace and stability of the Philippines and the wider region.