JAPAN and the Philippines have reached an agreement in principle on a landmark defense pact that will allow the exchange of fuel, ammunition, and other logistical support between their militaries during joint exercises, humanitarian missions, and wartime operations.
Newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the development during bilateral talks held Sunday afternoon on the sidelines of ASEAN-related meetings in Kuala Lumpur.
‘Both leaders welcomed that Japan and the Philippines reached an agreement in principle on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA),’ the Office of the Japanese Prime Minister said in a statement.
The ACSA complements the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which entered into force in September and was applied for the first time this month during joint drills and the transport of relief goods following the Cebu earthquake.
‘We will continue to work together as strategic partners toward the realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),’ Takaichi said, underscoring shared regional goals amid rising maritime tensions.
Both leaders also welcomed progress under Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) program, which supports Philippine maritime domain awareness and disaster response capabilities.
The summit marked Prime Minister Takaichi’s first bilateral meeting with President Marcos since assuming office last week.
She expressed her intent to deepen ties with the Philippines ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic normalization in 2026, when Manila will also serve as ASEAN Chair.
Beyond defense, Japan pledged support for Philippine economic resilience and food security, including the provision of post-harvest rice processing equipment.
The leaders also highlighted the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation on energy between Japan and the Philippines at the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur last October 17.
‘Prime Minister Takaichi conveyed Japan’s intention to advance civil nuclear cooperation and to cooperate toward the success of AZEC next year,’ her office said.
Both sides raffirmed their commitment to continued coordination on regional and global challenges, including maritime tensions in the South China Sea, North Korea’s missile and abduction issues, the crisis in Myanmar, and border concerns between Cambodia and Thailand.