Japan and the Philippines are pledging to deepen the security ties between the two countries, amidst territorial disputes with China. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba visited the Philippines this week, his first time since assuming office, to discuss the countries’ relationship with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The two leaders have agreed to begin discussing a defense pact formally known as the Acquisition and Cross-servicing Agreement. Ishiba stated that both countries oppose China’s attempts to forcefully alter the status quo in the East China Sea and South China Sea. 

Read more: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/29/japan-philippines-pledge-to-deepen-security-ties-as-china-tensions-simmer