Japan and Philippines announce negotiations for key defence pact

Sealing the deal: Japan Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Shohei Ishii (third from left) and Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan shake hands in front of the BRP Teresa Magbanua ship at the Philippine Coast Guard headquarters in Manila. — AFP

Japan and the Philippines said they will start negotiations for a defence pact that would allow the countries to deploy troops on each other’s territory.

Tokyo and Manila, long-time allies of the United States, are deepening their defence cooperation as they seek to counter China’s growing military pressure. The accord would create the legal basis for the countries to send defence personnel to each other’s territory for training and other operations.