Understanding the Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan

Last July, the Philippines and Japan held its 2+2 Ministerial Meeting – a high-level forum between the ministers of Foreign Affairs and ministers of Defense of both countries. This is the second time in only two years that a 2+2 Ministerial Meeting was held between both nations. It exemplifies the importance of the Philippines-Japan partnership.

Representing the Philippines were Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro. On the Japanese side were Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko and Minister of Defense Kihira Minoru.

The ministers discussed the current security environment in the South China Sea, East China Sea, Taiwan and the Korean Peninsula. The ministers emphasized the need for greater cooperation to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific, based on the rule of law. Both nations strongly opposed China’s unilateral attempt to change the peaceful status quo by force and coercion. Similarly, the ministers reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait.

Japan has been a steadfast supporter of the Philippines since we became an independent republic. Recently, in the wake of China’s grab of Philippine territories, Japan continues to stand by the Philippines’ side by recognizing our arbitral victory in The Hague. They also support us by way of military capacitation. Through a facility called the Official Security Assistance (OSA), Japan has provided the Philippines with both military hardware (radars, military vessels, etc.) and training for the AFP.

The most significant outcome of the recent 2+2 Meeting was the signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA). This takes Philippines-Japan relationship to a higher level.

The Philippines has an existing RAA with Australia while more RAAs are in the works with the UK, France and Canada.

That said, it is important for Filipinos to understand the relevance of RAAs.

What is an RAA? It is an agreement that establishes the framework of defense cooperation. It includes the procedures, rules and regulations that govern the cooperative activities of both countries while visiting a partner country. It also defines the legal status of the visiting forces.

What is the purpose of an RAA? It allows both countries to engage in cooperative activities that cover military cooperation, joint training, disaster relief and logistical support. It improves the inter-operability of armed forces between both countries.

Why is an RAA with Japan (and other countries) beneficial for the Philippines? First, it enhances our security and defense capabilities. Cooperation between partner countries enable us to pool our military resources together, thereby creating a more robust collective defense. Further, by working together, “force multiplier” is achieved which enhances both nations’ operational readiness. Joint training exercises allow militaries to learn from each other and improve interoperability. This makes both forces more effective in combat.

Second, strategic deterrence. The presence of foreign military forces in our land and having mutual defense agreements in place effectively deter our aggressors. This is particularly relevant to us since China’s military is bigger and growing in aggression. Moreover, defense agreements allow countries like the Philippines to project power beyond our borders. It gives us the gravitas to influence regional security issues and deter hostile actions.

Third, improved military readiness. Joint exercises and shared training programs improve the military readiness of both countries. We can learn new tactics, techniques and procedures from partner countries, thereby enhancing our overall military effectiveness. Further, RAAs provide access to each other’s military bases, which is crucial in times of conflict.

Fourth, intelligence sharing. By sharing intelligence and coordinating military actions, countries can be more effective in dealing with adversarial nations, terrorism and other transnational threats.

Fifth, technology transfer and modernization. RAAs allow the Philippines to gain access to advanced military technologies that we might not otherwise be able to develop independently. This can accelerate the modernization of our armed forces and enhance our defensive capabilities.

Sixth, humanitarian and disaster response. Our RAAs include provisions for joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. This is important when responding to natural disasters, pandemics or other emergencies where a coordinated international response is necessary.

Seventh, economic benefits. RAAs open the way for joint investments in military manufacturing, which the Philippines needs. Further, RAAs help to ensure stability in a region, which in turn creates a safe environment for trade, investments and economic prosperity.

Eighth, diplomatic gravitas. RAAs solidify alliances and partnerships. It gives the Philippines greater influence in international forums and negotiations.

Ninth, RAAs strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties. Defense cooperation leads to stronger cultural ties through exchanges between military personnel and their families. This fosters mutual understanding and contributes to long-term friendship between nations. In short, it draws both countries closer together.

What is the difference between an RAA and a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA)? As we all know, the Philippines has a VFA with the United States.

RAAs and VFAs are two types of defense cooperation agreements, but serve different purposes and have distinct features.

In a nutshell, RAAs are broader and focus more on military cooperation, access and strategic partnership; VFAs are narrower, focusing primarily on the legal status and rights of visiting military personnel. RAAs cover a wide range of military activities, including base access, training and operations; VFAs are concerned mainly with legal and logistical aspects of the presence of foreign troops. RAAs often signify a deeper strategic alignment between countries, aimed at long-term defense cooperation; VFAs are usually more transactional and focused on specific deployments or temporary stationing of forces.

Considering the threats we face in the West Philippine Sea, the Marcos administration is correct to forge multiple defense agreements with like-minded countries. With it, we are stronger and in a better position to protect our sovereign rights and to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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Email: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @aj_masigan