The Stratbase Institute has hailed the Senate’s unanimous approval of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan on 16 December 2024, calling it a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing regional security.
The RAA, which solidifies defense cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (SDF), will facilitate joint military activities, improve interoperability, and contribute to the security architecture of the Indo-Pacific region. By fostering closer defense ties, the agreement aims to enhance maritime safety and stability at a time of rising geopolitical tensions.
In a statement, the Stratbase Institute emphasized that the agreement underscores the shared commitment of both nations to peace, security, and the rule of law. The Philippines and Japan, both maritime nations with significant interests in territorial integrity, recognize the importance of forging strong defense partnerships to address emerging security challenges.
“The RAA reflects our nations’ resolve to safeguard national sovereignty and defend the rules-based international order,” the Stratbase Institute noted, highlighting the agreement’s potential to bolster the Indo-Pacific’s security framework.
The Institute also expressed its full support for the agreement, noting that it represents a vital step toward regional stability, reinforcing collective commitments to peace, and ensuring a secure and rules-based order in the face of growing global uncertainties.
