January 15, 2026
Japan and the Philippines signed a new defence pact aimed at strengthening security cooperation amid increasing regional tensions. Both Japan and the Philippines have faced separate territorial conflicts with China in the East China Sea and South China Sea. Additionally, tensions between Japan and China heightened following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments regarding Taiwan. The agreement establishes the framework for joint combat drills, coordination in responding to natural disasters, and participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Meanwhile, officials from Japan and the Philippines are still negotiating an additional agreement aimed at enhancing the security of highly confidential defence and military information that can be shared between them.