Manila, Tokyo sign defense pact amid China aggressionAP, MANILAJapan and the Philippines yesterday signed a defense pact that would allow the tax-free provision of ammunition, fuel, food and other necessities when their forces stage joint training to boost deterrence against China’s growing aggression in the region and to bolster their preparation for natural disasters. Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa Lazaro, left, and Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi sign documents following a bilateral meeting in Pasay, Philippines, yesterday. Photo: EPAJapanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi signed the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa Lazaro in Manila. “We both recognized the value of promoting the rule of law, including the freedom of navigation and overflight, especially in the South China Sea,” Lazaro said after the signing. Japanese and Philippine officials are still negotiating another agreement that aims to boost the security of highly confidential defense and military information the countries could share.

Source: Taipei Times January 15, 2026 17:12 UTC