Japan and Philippines Near Defense Pact Agreement

Upcoming talks aim to finalize a reciprocal access agreement amid rising regional tensions with China.

The pact would allow Japanese and Philippine troops to deploy on each other's territory for training and operations.
Negotiations for the Reciprocal Access Agreement began in November and are close to conclusion.
Defense and foreign ministers from both countries will meet in Manila on July 8 to discuss the agreement.
The Philippines seeks to bolster defense ties with Japan and other nations to counter China's maritime claims.
Japan has similar agreements with Britain and Australia, while the Philippines has pacts with the US and Australia.