Philippines, Japan announce negotiations for key defence pact

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (second from left) gestures during their bilateral meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila, Philippines on Friday Nov. 3, 2023. Kishida is expected to announce a new security aid package to the Philippines and the start of negotiations for a defense pact in a high-profile visit to Manila as Tokyo boosts alliances to counter China's growing assertiveness. - AP Photo

MANILA (AFP): Japan and the Philippines said Friday they will start negotiations for a defence pact that would allow the countries to deploy troops on each other's territory.

Tokyo and Manila -- longtime allies of Washington -- are deepening their defence cooperation as they seek to counter China's growing military pressure.