The Philippines has officially agreed to a new defense agreement with Japan that lets both countries send their troops to each other’s land. This move is aimed at boosting their friendship and standing strong against China, which has been pushing for control in the region.
Both the Philippines and Japan have long been allies of the United States, which wants to help stop China’s claims over disputed territories in the Pacific Ocean. The Philippines’ senate approved the pact quickly, with no one voting against it. Now, lawmakers in Japan also need to agree before the agreement starts working.
This agreement aims to strengthen the military cooperation between the two countries, especially in sea areas where they face shared security problems. The idea for this pact was discussed for seven months and was finalized in July.
Many years ago, Japan invaded the Philippines during World War II, but now they work together with the U.S. against threats from China. Japan has about 54,000 American soldiers stationed in the country and has disagreements with China over islands in the East China Sea.
In the South China Sea, Filipino and Chinese ships often have run-ins over a shoal taken by China in 2012. Also, Taiwan is causing tension as China claims it fully and may use force to assert its control. China also claims almost all of the South China Sea, which is crucial for $5 trillion in trade each year, despite an international ruling saying this claim has no legal support.
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