The Philippines and Japan signed two defense agreements, including an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement allowing their forces to exchange supplies such as fuel, ammunition, and food during joint training.

Japan also pledged $6 million in security assistance to build facilities for donated patrol boats, boosting Manila’s naval capabilities.

The agreements deepen military ties amid regional tensions, with both countries emphasizing freedom of navigation and opposition to attempts to change the status quo by force.

This follows a Reciprocal Access Agreement signed in 2024, enabling joint exercises and deployments on each other’s territory, Al-Jazeera has reported.

The moves are seen as a response to China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea and growing concerns over Taiwan.