No military facilities under Philippines-Japan pact

MANILA, Philippines — There is nothing in the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) that sets the legal foundation for the establishment of military facilities in both countries, according to the Japanese foreign ministry.

“Nothing in this agreement shall be construed as providing a basis for a Party to establish its military facilities in the territory of the other Party,” Mariko Kaneko, deputy press secretary of the Japanese foreign ministry, said at a briefing after the signing of the agreement on Monday at Malacañang.

The signing followed the second Japan-Philippines Foreign and Defense Ministers Meeting (“2+2”).

“So no misunderstanding on both sides, not to have a military base in another country. It does not provide legal foundation (for establishment of military facilities),” Kaneko said.

The signing of the RAA came shortly after Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara met with President Marcos at Malacañang.

The RAA, which allows Japanese and Filipino forces to enter each other’s country for joint military exercises, was signed by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and Kamikawa in ceremonies witnessed by Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Kihara.

The defense agreement will take effect after ratification by the two countries’ legislatures.

Kaneko said Japan is “much concerned” about China’s dangerous actions in the East and South China Seas, including the June 17 violent disruption by the Chinese coast guard of a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

“Japan supports the position that China should uphold the international order and raise this issue to the Chinese government. We have been doing so and raise the voice in the international community so China will not be able to do such act, unilateral act, use of force to change the status quo,” she stated.

Kaneko stressed that Japan is fully supportive of the Philippines’ firm stand against unilateral action by China or any other country to change the status quo in the region.

She underscored the unwavering commitment of the Philippines and Japan to freedom of navigation and overflight.

Earlier, Manalo, Teodoro, Kamikawa