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What a Japan-Philippines military logistics pact reveals about Tokyo’s Asean strategy
Analysts view the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement as an emphatic continuation of Shinzo Abe’s ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ vision
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The Philippines and Japan have agreed in principle to a military logistics deal, signalling a renewed commitment from Tokyo to the late Shinzo Abe’s vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”.
Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s new prime minister and a former protege of Abe, met Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr on the sidelines of the recently concluded Asean summit in Malaysia to advance discussions on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA).
The pact would allow the two nations’ armed forces to provide each other with logistical support – including fuel, food, transport, medical services and spare parts – during joint exercises, humanitarian operations and peacekeeping missions.
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“We will continue to work together as strategic partners towards the realisation of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” Takaichi said on Sunday after meeting Marcos, invoking a concept championed by Abe that aims to promote open trade and rule of law in the region.
We will continue to work together as strategic partners towards the realisation of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific
She also assured Marcos of Japan’s full support for the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations next year, which coincides with the 70th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties.
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