The Philippines and Japan have officially begun negotiations on a landmark defense agreement aimed at enhancing military interoperability and strengthening regional security cooperation, officials announced Tuesday.
In a joint press conference held at Malacañang Palace, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and visiting Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru revealed the start of talks for an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which would enable the two countries’ armed forces to exchange logistical support, supplies, and services.
“We have agreed to start negotiations on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement,” Marcos said, emphasizing that the deal would support joint military exercises, humanitarian operations, and disaster response efforts.
The leaders also disclosed plans to launch government-to-government discussions on a potential Security of Information Agreement, further solidifying bilateral defense collaboration amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
Prime Minister Ishiba said the new agreements would build on the countries’ rapidly expanding defense ties. “This will deepen our cooperation and further ensure peace and stability in the region,” he said.
Both heads of state also reaffirmed the importance of trilateral cooperation with the United States, particularly in addressing growing security challenges in the region, including maritime issues and territorial disputes.
The announcement came during Ishiba’s two-day official visit to the Philippines, where he and First Lady Ishiba Yoshiko were welcomed by President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos at the Palace. The visit comes ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines, set to be commemorated in 2026.
Marcos praised Japan as a “reliable and crucial partner,” citing Tokyo’s vital role not only in defense but also in trade, investment, and development.
“We are in a golden age of our bilateral ties,” the President said, highlighting Japan’s extensive development assistance and strong support in key areas such as maritime security, climate resilience, digital transformation, and infrastructure development.
Japan remains the Philippines’ second-largest economic partner, and both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation under the Philippine-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA) to better respond to global economic and geopolitical shifts.
