Japan and the Philippines have signed a defense pact that allows the exchange of supplies tax-free during joint military exercises, aimed at deterring China.

The pact, called the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and signed by Foreign Ministers Toshimitsu Motegi and Theresa Lazaro, aims to enhance deterrence against China and improve disaster response capabilities. The agreement will be ratified by the Japanese legislature to come into effect. It also supports participation in peacekeeping missions under the UN auspices. The initiative comes amid tensions with China, in the context of statements made by the Japanese Prime Minister regarding Taiwan. In 2024, the two countries signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) that allows the deployment of forces on each other's territory for extensive joint exercises. Negotiations for a separate agreement on securing classified military information are ongoing. Although China is not explicitly mentioned, the message of the pact is interpreted as a warning to Beijing, in the context of escalating confrontations in the South China Sea. The new logistical arrangements enhance interoperability and deterrence capabilities in the region, strengthening the regional security architecture.