"In a significant effort to counter escalating regional tensions, Japan and the Philippines signed two major defence agreements in Manila on Thursday, aimed at substantially upgrading their security partnership. Footage shows the pacts signed between Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro during the former's visit to the country. The agreements are a direct response to shared concerns over stability in the East and South China Seas. The timing is strategically significant. Officials from both nations cited an 'increasingly severe strategic environment' characterised by unilateral actions that challenge the status quo. Japan's Foreign Minister Motegi stated, "As the regional strategic environment has grown severe, the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law has become more critical. The Philippines is an indispensable partner for Japan in realising the void." Motegi emphasised that, given the growing complexity of the international environment, ASEAN countries are expected to play an increasingly vital role in maintaining and enforcing international order based on the rule of law. Moreover, the Japanese FM highlighted that both sides agreed on the necessity of opposing unilateral attempts to alter the status quo by force or coercion in the East and South China Seas. Both nations underscored the significance of trilateral cooperation with Washington. Motegi reiterated the importance of this trilateral bond, stating, "The secretary and I also confirmed the importance of the Japan-Philippines-US trilateral cooperation in the face of an increasingly severe strategic environment." Meanwhile, he expressed high hopes for the Philippines as a strategic partner connected by the sea, noting that this year, the Philippines bears the important responsibility of chairing ASEAN. Philippine FS Lazaro underscored Manila and Tokyo's alliance during these challenging times, mentioning, "Driven by shared values and principles, the Philippines and Japan have worked together bilaterally and multilaterally with like-minded states to reinforce our positions and broaden our capabilities amidst today's dynamic security environment." The centrepiece of the pacts is an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), a logistical framework that officially permits the two military forces to exchange essential supplies and services. This includes fuel, ammunition, and food during joint exercises, humanitarian missions, and other authorised activities, thereby streamlining cooperation and enhancing interoperability. Complementing this, Japan committed a US$6 million Official Security Assistance (OSA) grant to fund maritime infrastructure for the Philippine Navy, directly enhancing Manila's naval capabilities through the construction of facilities to house rigid-hulled inflatable boats donated by Japan. These agreements build upon a landmark Reciprocal Access Agreement enacted last year, which facilitates the deployment of forces within each other’s territories, creating a comprehensive framework for seamless bilateral military collaboration. Collectively, the agreements signify a substantial step towards deeper military integration between two of Washington’s closest Asian allies. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the normalisation of their diplomatic ties."