A secure step forward for Japan-Philippines relations: Strategic overview of the RAA and OSA

Almost seven decades of friendship and dialogue have made Japan and the Philippines the firmest of partners. Our close cooperation in key areas such as agriculture and transportation has since forged enduring bridges, with the goodwill between our people forming the warm fabric of our relations.

It is safe to say that Japan’s part in helping realize the Philippines’ potential has grown along with our countries’ vibrant friendship and mutual understanding. Lending credence to this sentiment, the National Economic and Development Authority even recorded Japan as one of the top sources of Overseas Development Aid (ODA) to the Philippines last year in its latest ODA portfolio review.

Emboldened by our increasing engagements, the “heart-to-heart relations” between our countries have certainly enjoyed a dynamic and much-welcome vigor in recent months.

Today, I have come to write about one of the products of this sterling momentum, namely: the increasing security cooperation between our two countries, which has introduced new depth in our “heart-to-heart” ties.

Adding diversity to our already extensive partnership, renewed security cooperation has emerged to tackle the challenges posed by the present climate of global affairs. This bold step in our rich collaboration highlights the growing significance of security in preserving a stable environment for our bilateral ties to flourish.

Through two vital concepts, the RAA and OSA, Japan has manifested its support for the Philippines’ initiatives toward greater security. Having mentioned them, allow me to give a brief sketch of the pivotal role these humble acronyms play in shaping our bilateral relations as strategic partners.

RAA (Reciprocal Access Agreement)

Signed during our 2nd “2+2” Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting, the RAA was one of the fruitful outcomes during the exchange between our countries’ most senior foreign and defense authorities in July of this year.

The Reciprocal Access Agreement or RAA is an agreement which would allow for more extensive cooperation through the establishment of procedures for mutually determined activities between our visiting defense forces.

Promoting greater interoperability between our two forces, the RAA enables closer exercises and cooperative activities, improving capabilities in key areas including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Furthermore, the RAA allows for more shared opportunities for Japan and the Philippines to participate in more comprehensive defense exercises with common security partners such as the United States and Australia.

Also signifying a historic milestone in our bilateral relationship, the RAA would be the first defense agreement of its kind Japan would have with an Asian country.

I am very pleased to note that the honorable Philippine Senate concurred in the ratification of the RAA with unanimous votes of support on Dec. 16, despite the tight schedule.

It is my strong hope that once the RAA comes into force it will bring us closer to an even more coordinated approach to safeguarding regional stability.

OSA (Official Security Assistance)

Established in 2023, Official Security Assistance, or OSA, is Japan’s new grant aid cooperation framework that seeks to improve its partners’ defense capabilities through beneficial assistance to their armed forces and other pertinent defense organizations.

In contrast to Japan’s ODA, OSA deals primarily with reinforcing the Philippines’ security and defense capabilities through the provision of key equipment and supplies.

OSA extends to capacity building in peacekeeping operations as well as humanitarian activities – support to disaster response and search and rescue operations, to name a few.

Given the context of the country’s close proximity to important sea lanes, including the Luzon Strait and the South China Sea, OSA can also play a significant part in revitalizing the Philippines’ maritime defense capabilities and brightening prospects for enhanced national and regional security.

Last Dec. 5, 2024, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary H.E. Enrique Manalo and I exchanged and signed notes on a 1.6 billion-yen OSA Project for FY (Fiscal Year) 2024, with the presence of Secretary of National Defense H.E. Gilberto Teodoro, which details comprehensive support. This includes the provision of rigid-hulled inflatable boats, coastal radar systems and automatic identification systems for C-90 aircraft to the Philippine Navy, as well as air surveillance radar system equipment for the Philippine Air Force. All of which are set to greatly contribute to the country’s maritime domain awareness and surveillance capabilities.

The Philippines was the first OSA recipient and the only one for two consecutive years. In order to support the Philippines in the face of strategic challenges, Japan will continue to actively consider the use of OSA, while taking into account the Philippines’ needs.

Towards a secure future

From the construction of Metro Manila’s first subway system to promoting processes for peace in Mindanao, Japan has been firm at the Philippines’ side in supporting and opening avenues for stability and prosperity.

As like-minded democracies, cooperation between the Philippines and Japan remains vital in the preservation of peace and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. With the Philippines fervently bolstering its defense partnerships, Japan remains ever ready to support, as it has in past cooperation with the country.

With each secure and resounding stride, our friendship stands firmer as a testament to the resilience and strength of our democratic and time-tested principles.

Even as we navigate the shifting currents of global affairs, I believe the resolute bond between Japan and the Philippines is one that will remain a heartening constant even in times of uncertainty.

*      *      *

Endo Kazuya is the Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines.