New PH-Japan pact clears way for military supplies, logistics support
As the Philippines and Japan celebrate 70 years of diplomatic friendship, the two countries are accelerating defense and maritime cooperation, underscoring a partnership that has become increasingly important amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea and broader efforts to uphold a rules-based Indo-Pacific.
The strengthening ties were highlighted by two recent developments: the entry into force of the Philippines-Japan Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and the visit of the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) training vessel Itsukushima to Manila.
On July 23, the two governments exchanged diplomatic notes for the implementation of the ACSA, which will formally take effect on Aug. 22, 2026, the Embassy of Japan in Manila said in a news release.
The agreement establishes the framework for the reciprocal provision of supplies and services between Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, enabling smoother logistics support during joint exercises, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and other cooperative activities.
Signed in Manila on Jan. 15 by then Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, the agreement is expected to deepen military interoperability between the two countries.
According to the Japanese government, the ACSA “will facilitate the smooth and prompt provision of supplies and services between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”
It added that the agreement “will also promote closer cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, serving Japan’s security and enabling Japan to actively contribute to peace and security of the international community.”
The defense milestone came just days after the Itsukushima made a four-day port call in Manila from July 16 to 19, reinforcing maritime cooperation between the Japan Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
During the visit, the vessel’s captain paid a courtesy call on PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan, while the Japanese delegation visited the National Maritime Center. Cadets from the Itsukushima also joined PCG personnel in sports exchanges aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties between the two maritime services.
Speaking during a reception aboard the vessel, Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo said the visit carried special significance as both countries commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
He said the arrival of the Itsukushima “symbolizes the enduring trust and friendship between the two countries.”
Ambassador Endo also stressed that “the rules-based maritime order is being translated into meaningful action through the unwavering partnership between the JCG and PCG.”
The port call formed part of the Japan Coast Guard Academy’s oceanic training voyage and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to promoting maritime cooperation and advancing its vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
Taken together, the new logistics agreement and expanding coast guard cooperation reflect the rapidly evolving Philippines-Japan relationship — from one rooted in post-war reconciliation and economic partnership to one increasingly focused on defense, maritime security, and preserving a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
The closer cooperation comes as both nations face a more challenging regional security environment, including China’s increasingly assertive activities in the West Philippine Sea, prompting Manila and Tokyo to further strengthen their strategic partnership while marking seven decades of enduring friendship.
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