News analysis: China’s South China Sea tactics push Philippines-Japan defence ties to new heights

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (left) meeting Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr in Manila on Friday. - PHOTO: REUTERS

MANILA: Japan and the Philippines have fortified their military alliance, as both nations seek to resist a more aggressive Beijing in the East and South China Seas.

Standing beside President Ferdinand Marcos Jr in Manila on Friday night, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said his country will begin formal talks to forge a reciprocal access agreement (RAA) that would allow both nations to hold joint military drills for the first time on Philippine shores.