Japan and Philippines sign new defense pact as they face growing China aggression

Описание: (15 Jan 2026)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Manila, Philippines - 15 January 2026
1. Philippines' Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro with Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi walking then sitting
2. Various of Motegi and Lazaro signing agreement
3. Motegi exchanging signed agreement with Lazaro
4. Lazaro and Motegi shaking hands
5. Panreporters watching pan left to press conference
6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Theresa Lazaro, Philippine Foreign Secretary:
“In the maritime domain we both recognized the value of promoting the rule of law including the freedom of navigation and over flight specially in the South China Sea.”
7. Wide of press conference
8. SOUNDBITE: (English) Theresa Lazaro, Philippine Foreign Secretary:
“Japan is a vital strategic partner of the Philippines, and our relationship will continue to be bound by shared values of democracy, respect for the rule of law and a commitment to peace, stability and prosperity in our region.”
9. Minister Motegi and Secretary Lazaro shaking hands
STORYLINE:
Japan and the Philippines signed a defense pact Thursday that would allow tax-free provision of ammunition, fuel, food and other necessities when their forces stage joint training to boost deterrence against China’s growing aggression in the region.

The pact will also bolster their preparation for natural disasters.

In a news conference following the signing ceremony, Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro, hailed the strong relationship with Japan.
“Japan is a vital strategic partner of the Philippines, and our relationship will continue to be bound by shared values of democracy, respect for the rule of law and a commitment to peace, stability and prosperity in our region,” Lazaro said.

Japan has faced more political, trade and security tensions with China, after its Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said potential Chinese action against Taiwan could spark Japanese intervention.

Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told the reporters in Manila that he and Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro had talks on bilateral cooperation among security, maritime and economy.

Japan and the Philippines have also had separate territorial conflicts with Beijing in the East China Sea and South China Sea that have continued to flare and threaten to draw in the United States, a treaty ally of the two Asian nations.

Motegi said Thursday the two countries plan to reinforce the relationship with the U.S.

Japanese and Philippine officials are still negotiating another agreement that aims to boost the security of highly confidential defense and military information the countries could share.

AP video by Joeal Calupitan

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