Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines and Japan are set to strengthen security ties through a new logistics deal that would facilitate more joint military exercises and exchanges between their armed forces, Japanese officials confirmed.
In a one-on-one interview with NewsWatch Plus’ The Newsmaker on Wednesday, April 30, Japanese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson and Press Secretary Kitamura Toshihiro said negotiations for the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) will begin following the meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
“Both countries are maritime nations. We are very happy to have a long, friendly relationship with the Philippines, and we’d like to promote this cooperation further,” Kitamura said. “Taking into account the current severe situation in terms of security in the region, we would like to promote cooperation in the field of security.”
The ACSA is a legal framework that allows the exchange of logistical support, such as refueling and equipment, particularly during joint drills and emergencies. Without such an agreement, Japanese vessels face restrictions in Philippine facilities, Kitamura said.
“To be honest, ACSA is not something to provide equipment or technical cooperation. Rather, it is a framework which facilitates daily or military exercise. In case of the joint exercise, one of the parties can provide, for example, refueling or possible equipment,” said Kitamura.
While the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the two nations has been ratified by the Senate and is awaiting deliberation in Japan’s Diet, the ACSA will complement this by providing a more practical mechanism to support military operations and exercises on the ground.
“We believe that this ACSA could serve as a very important tool to facilitate the exchange of forces between the two countries,” Kitamura said. “Both leaders have agreed to start the negotiation, and they also agreed to have discussions between the two governments toward a possible conclusion.”
Japan already has ACSA arrangements with the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, India, and Germany, reinforcing a network of security partnerships amid increasing regional challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
The deal is expected to further boost operational readiness and coordination between Japanese and Philippine forces, especially amid maritime tensions and overlapping security concerns.
