MANILA (AFP) – The Philippines ratified yesterday a key defence pact with Japan, which allows them to deploy troops on each other’s soil.
Both countries are longtime allies of the United States (US), which has been strengthening alliances in the Pacific.
The pact – which also allows for increased joint combat drills – was ratified by the Philippine senate with no negative votes or abstentions, Senate President Francis Escudero said.
Lawmakers in Tokyo will also need to vote through the treaty before it takes effect, Japan’s embassy said.
“Ratifying the agreement further affirms the strategic partnership between the two countries and their mutual goal to enhance contribution to regional and international peace, security and stability,” the senate said in a statement.
“The agreement will expand the defence cooperation of the Philippines and Japan in the maritime domain amid shared security challenges.”
Negotiators from both countries finished brokering the pact in July.
While Japan invaded the Philippines during World War II, nowadays they have common military ties to the US. Japan hosts around 54,000 American troops.
