Philippines says military logistics pact with Japan now in force

The Philippines and Japan have officially activated a bilateral defense pact, enabling their armed forces to exchange supplies and services for joint exercises and crisis response. This significant development comes as both nations grapple with escalating tensions stemming from China's growing military presence and assertiveness in the region.

The Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, signed in January 2026, aims to bolster mutual support between the two countries. It complements a reciprocal access agreement established in 2025, which was designed to simplify joint exercises and troop deployments. This deepening security partnership reflects a shared concern over China's expanding military and maritime activities.

The Philippine Department of National Defense welcomed the pact's entry into force, emphasizing its potential impact on bilateral activities, including exercises and humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations. Manila is currently engaged in a dispute with Beijing over contested areas in the South China Sea, while Tokyo faces its own security challenges related to China's actions.

The agreement signifies a strategic alignment between Manila and Tokyo, underscoring their commitment to regional stability amidst rising geopolitical complexities. By facilitating closer military cooperation, the pact enhances their collective capacity to address shared security concerns.

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The agreement will greatly impact our bilateral activities, including exercises and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.