Overview

• Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have initiated negotiations on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement and a security of information pact to deepen defense collaboration.
• The leaders reaffirmed their opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo in the South China Sea and East China Sea, highlighting China's growing maritime assertiveness.
• The Reciprocal Access Agreement, which facilitates troop and equipment movement for joint training and disaster response, awaits Japanese legislative ratification following Philippine approval.
• Japan has significantly bolstered Philippine maritime defense by supplying patrol ships, radars, and other military equipment, with plans for further support.
• Discussions included the economic fallout from U.S. tariffs under the Trump administration, with both nations emphasizing the need for coordinated responses to trade tensions.