Japan and the Philippines will hold their second foreign and defense ministerial meeting (2+2) in Manila in early July. They are considering July 8 as the main date. The aim is to sign a "Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA)" to facilitate joint training between the Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine military.
In a Japan-Philippines summit held in November 2023, both countries agreed to start negotiations for the RAA. If concluded, the agreement will simplify visa procedures required for visits and expand the range of defense equipment that can be brought in, making it easier to conduct joint training and disaster relief operations.
Japan and the Philippines are strengthening defense cooperation with an eye on China’s maritime expansion. The Philippines is located on the "First Island Chain," which China considers the minimum defense line to prevent U.S. military intervention in a Taiwan contingency. It is a strategic military point facing Taiwan across the Bashi Channel, which is also part of a maritime transport route (sea lane).
The United States also emphasizes the importance of the Philippines in maintaining maritime order and has been encouraging Japan and the Philippines to conclude the RAA. In April, Japan, the United States, and the Philippines held their first trilateral summit.
Japan already has RAAs with Australia and the United Kingdom, and if concluded with the Philippines, it will be the third such agreement. The Philippines has a "Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA)" with the United States and Australia, recognizing the activities of military forces from these countries within its territory.