The defense pact with the Philippines is the first to be forged by Japan in Asia. Japan signed similar accords with Australia in 2022 and with Britain last year.

MANILA, Philippines — Japan and the Philippines on Monday signed a defense pact allowing their troops to enter each other’s country for joint military training.

The defense pact with the Philippines, which includes live-fire drills, is the first to be forged by Japan in Asia. Japan signed similar accords with Australia in 2022 and with Britain in 2023.

Japan and the Philippines have signed a defense pact allowing Japanese forces to conduct joint drills in the Philippines. The Reciprocal Access Agreement permits Filipino forces to train in Japan.

The defense pact with the Philippines, which includes live-fire drills, is the first to be forged by Japan in Asia. Japan signed similar accords with Australia in 2022 and with Britain in 2023.

The defense pact with the Philippines, which includes live-fire drills, is the first to be forged by Japan in Asia. Japan signed similar accords with Australia in 2022 and with Britain in 2023.

The Philippines and Japan agreed to begin discussions on mutual military visits and strengthened security ties with the US amid heightened tensions with China over disputed waters.

The defense pact with the Philippines, which includes live-fire drills, is the first to be forged by Japan in Asia. Japan signed similar accords with Australia in 2022 and with Britain in 2023.