Philippines-Japan defense agreement enters into force today

MANILA, Philippines — The Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan officially enters into force today, marking a historic military alliance between the two nations.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen both welcomed this during their meeting on the sidelines of the 2025 Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) on Tuesday where the two discussed efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.

The RAA officially enters into force on Sept. 11, 2025 with preparations underway for the formal approval of its Implementing Arrangements.

With the agreement, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Philippine and Japanese forces will facilitate enhanced cooperation, joint training and operational activities.

Teodoro and Nakatani’s meeting also allowed them to review the progress since the Defense Ministerial Meeting in February 2025, wherein both sides committed to enhancing information sharing, logistics cooperation and defense technology collaboration.

The DND said the two leaders emphasized that maritime cooperation remains crucial amidst evolving regional security challenges and highlighted the importance of strengthening the Philippines’ defense capabilities in air and maritime domain awareness, cybersecurity and communications.

Japan’s Official Security Assistance program continues to support the Philippines through transfer of maritime domain awareness capabilities, while both sides explore partnerships under the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Program.

The DND said Teodoro and Nakatani’s discussion further highlighted the Philippines’ and Japan’s leadership in multilateral defense initiatives within ASEAN.

As co-chairs of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security, both countries are advancing regional efforts to address maritime security challenges while integrating climate and environmental considerations.

Through the meeting, the DND said the Philippines and Japan affirmed their shared commitment to advancing bilateral defense cooperation, enhancing regional security and promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Minister Nakatani likewise congratulated Secretary Teodoro for his remarks during the first plenary session of the ongoing 2025 SDD in Seoul, South Korea.