Discussions on a visiting forces agreement are initiated between Japan and Philippines.

Japan has begun negotiations with the Philippines on a visiting forces agreement and has designated the Philippines as the first recipient of its new military aid program. The action comes as fears over China's territorial ambitions rise. The two key partners have acknowledged that negotiations on a reciprocal access agreement (RAA), a contract that provides the legal framework for increased bilateral security cooperation, will commence.

The new agreement would be Japan's first with an Association of Southeast Asian Nations member. The pact would grant the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) wider access to Philippine facilities, including rotational deployments, and would enhance cooperative exercises.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Kishida has become the first Japanese prime minister to address the Philippine Congress, emphasizing the strength of bilateral connections as well as the threat to the international order based on norms. Kishida emphasized the necessity of multifaceted collaboration among allies and like-minded countries, particularly the United States, in maintaining the current order. China, which claims 90% of the key waterway, is threatening the South China Sea, a vital commercial corridor for Japan.

The Marcos administration has taken a more forceful approach on territorial issues with Beijing, filing 26% of the more than 465 Philippine objections.Several incidents have occurred this year, including a collision between a China Coast Guard vessel and a Philippine resupply ship near the Spratly Island chain. The deterioration of Sino-Philippine relations has resulted in the cancelation of a military exchange program with China and construction projects under Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative. Japan and the Philippines have overlapping interests in maritime security and believe that retaliation against Chinese coercion is necessary. Given its low defense budget of roughly $5 billion, assisting the Philippines in its disagreements with Beijing is critical.