Tanjiro.Kamado
Active member
On Monday Japan and the Philippines boost defense ties to counter China in the south China sea or spratly sea region. The Reciprocal Access Agreement deals with the transfers of personnel to enable interaction and participation in the drills and the disaster response operations; implemented with the signing between Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro witnessed by the Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila. The signing of the said Letter of Comfort signified Japan’s first RAA with an ASEAN member and would pave way for Japan Self-Defense forces to assume complete responsibilities during the Balikatan exercise with Philippines and the United States of America. Both the countries pointed out deep concern on the Chinese activities in the SCS and underlined that their flag ship is to continue partnership with the US and Australia for freedom and openness in the IO. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokes manufactured a negative response to the agreement fearing that such move could escalate unrest in South East Asia. 
Japan and the Philippines teaming up—definitely a strategic move. 
Wonder how this will play out in the region's dynamics. 
