Name: Japan, Philippines sign defence pact to counter growing China threat
Uploaded: 2026-01-15T08:41:01.515Z
Duration: 1 min 22 s
Description: According to Japanese and Philippine officials, the new pact would assist both countries in responding to natural catastrophes, a shared concern, and taking part in UN peacekeeping missions, which will be an addition to facilitating cooperative fighting exercises.

According to Japanese and Philippine officials, the new pact would assist both countries in responding to natural catastrophes, a shared concern, and taking part in UN peacekeeping missions, which will be an addition to facilitating cooperative fighting exercises.

Tokyo

Japan and the Philippines have formalized a new defense agreement that enables tax-free sharing of supplies, such as ammunition and fuel, during joint military training. The pact, signed by the foreign ministers of both countries in Manila, is intended to bolster deterrence in response to growing tensions with China. 

The agreement, which still requires ratification by Japanese lawmakers, also includes provisions for enhanced disaster response and participation in UN peacekeeping missions. Both countries have ongoing territorial disputes with China in regional seas and may coordinate more closely with the United States, a treaty ally.

Japan, Philippines sign defence pact to counter 'growing China threat'

Japan and the Philippines have signed a defense agreement allowing tax-free sharing of supplies during joint training aimed at strengthening deterrence against China. Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi signed the pact with Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro in Manila on Thursday. Japan's top diplomat also announced at the signing ceremony that Tokyo will be beefing up security and economic development assistance to the Philippines. The new defense deal, which still awaits ratification by Japanese lawmakers, is the latest forged by Tokyo and Manila to deepen their security alliance. It will allow tax-free provision of ammunition, fuel, food and other necessities when their forces stage joint training exercises. It comes amid increased tensions with China after Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takahashi said Tokyo would militarily intervene if Beijing made a move on Taiwan. The Philippines and Japan have also had their own separate territorial conflicts with Beijing in the East and South China Seas, threatening to join the U.S., a treaty ally of both nations. Japanese and Filipino officials say the new agreement will also help enhance disaster response efforts, as well as taking part in UN peacekeeping missions.

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