Japan and the Philippines Team Up: A Defence Pact With China in Mind

Japan and the Philippines have just signed a historic defence pact, a move seen by many as a direct response to China’s growing assertiveness in the region. This agreement allows for joint military exercises, increased intelligence sharing, and even the possibility of Japanese forces deploying to the Philippines in case of an emergency.

But why the sudden shift in relations? It’s all about the South China Sea. This vital waterway is a major trade route and home to valuable fishing grounds. However, China claims almost the entire region, despite conflicting claims from other nations like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

China’s actions have been raising alarm bells. They’ve been building artificial islands, militarizing them, and conducting increasingly aggressive patrols. This has left many countries feeling threatened, and the Philippines, in particular, has been feeling the brunt of China’s actions.

The numbers tell a story:

• China’s military spending has increased by nearly 70% in the last decade, reaching $292 billion in 2022.

• The Philippines has been the target of numerous incursions by Chinese vessels in its exclusive economic zone.

• The recent defence pact marks a major shift in Japan’s security policy, as it seeks to strengthen its alliances in the region.

This new alliance is significant for several reasons:

• It strengthens the US-led security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan and the Philippines are both key allies of the United States, and this agreement helps to solidify their collective stance against China.

• It sends a clear message to China that its actions will not be tolerated. The pact demonstrates the growing international concern over China’s aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea.

• It strengthens the Philippines’ security posture. With Japan’s support, the Philippines will be better equipped to defend its territorial integrity against potential Chinese aggression.

While the pact is seen as a necessary step in the face of China’s growing influence, some analysts are cautious. They argue that the agreement could escalate tensions and potentially lead to a regional conflict.

The future of the South China Sea remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: the Japan-Philippines defence pact is a major development that will likely have significant implications for the region’s security dynamics.