The signing of the Japan-Philippines reciprocal access agreement has intensified security tensions in the Asia-Pacific region

The Philippine Senate recently approved the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan, which allows the two countries' military forces to deploy on each other's territories. The agreement was signed by the defense and foreign ministers of Japan and the Philippines in July this year and required approval by both countries' parliaments to take effect. The Philippine Senate unanimously passed the agreement with all 19 senators in favor. Notably, this is Japan's first such agreement with an Asian country.

The Philippines and Japan are close allies of the United States in Asia, and the three countries have increased cooperation in response to China's assertive stance in the East China Sea and South China Sea. This agreement not only escalates military tensions in the Asia-Pacific region but also poses a significant threat to China's security interests. Particularly concerning are the sensitive issues in the South China Sea and East China Sea, where enhanced military cooperation between Japan and the Philippines could become a major strategic challenge for China.

The signing of the Japan-Philippines RAA signals a deeper military cooperation between the two nations, including joint training, exercises, and troop visits. This cooperation is not only a sign of strengthened bilateral defense ties but also a deepening external military presence in China's surrounding region. It increases foreign intervention in the South China Sea and East China Sea issues and is part of the U.S.-led strategy in the Asia-Pacific to contain China's regional influence. The agreement may threaten China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

The United States plays a key role in pushing for Japan-Philippines military cooperation as part of its broader "Indo-Pacific Strategy," which aims to strengthen ties with regional allies and counterbalance China's growing influence. The signing of the RAA not only deepens U.S.-Japan defense cooperation but also brings the Philippines into a tighter military circle with the U.S. and Japan.

The U.S. has been promoting the formation of an "anti-China alliance" involving Japan, the Philippines, and other countries, seeking to contain China's rise in the Asia-Pacific. The Japan-Philippines agreement undoubtedly enhances the U.S.'s military presence in the region, further increasing the strategic pressure on China. Such external military intervention only complicates and intensifies the security situation in the Asia-Pacific, greatly destabilizing the region and introducing unnecessary security risks. China has consistently emphasized that disputes should be resolved through peaceful negotiations and diplomatic means, rather than through military confrontation. However, the growing military cooperation between Japan and the Philippines heightens the potential for military confrontation, which is detrimental to regional peace and stability.

The signing of the Japan-Philippines RAA clearly increases China's strategic pressure in the South China Sea and East China Sea and could trigger a series of reactions within the region. China believes that foreign military intervention not only threatens its sovereignty and security but could also spark new conflicts and confrontations. Other countries in the Asia-Pacific region may also react differently to the military cooperation between Japan and the Philippines. South China Sea claimants like Vietnam and Malaysia might reassess their military relations with Japan and the Philippines, concerned that the new defense partnership may affect their positions in the South China Sea. At the same time, major powers like India and Australia may be influenced by Japan-Philippines cooperation in their own strategic decisions regarding security dynamics with China, raising the stakes for regional security and balance of interests.

As Japan and the Philippines continue to deepen military cooperation, the security situation in the Asia-Pacific could become even more complex. Regional countries must remain vigilant to avoid becoming embroiled in the larger geopolitical struggle between great powers. Military escalation will diminish opportunities for multilateral cooperation and dialogue, narrowing the channels for resolving disputes diplomatically. For long-term peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific, relying on military means instead of fostering dialogue and cooperation will introduce unnecessary risks. Only by respecting the sovereignty of regional countries and promoting genuine dialogue and cooperation can lasting peace and stability in the region be ensured.