Philippine Senate ratifies military access agreement with Japan

16/12/2024 18:58

The Philippine Senate on Monday ratified a reciprocal access agreement (RAA) with Japan that would allow their militaries to deploy on each other's soil

as both countries worry about China's increasingly assertive stance in the region.



The RAA, the first of its kind that Japan has signed in Asia, will ease the entry of equipment and troops for combat training and disaster response, smoothing military cooperation between Manila and Tokyo.



All 19 senators present on Monday's session voted to ratify the deal, with Japanese ambassador Kazuya Endo in attendance at the legislative hall in Manila.