Japan and the Philippines will sign an accord next month to facilitate joint training by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine military.
Arrangements are being made for Japan’s foreign and defense ministers to visit the Philippines in early July to hold so-called “two-plus-two” talks.
Japanese government sources say the Reciprocal Access Agreement will be signed during the meeting.
The accord will lay out rules on the handling of weapons and ammunition during joint training, and jurisdiction over criminal acts and accidents.
Japan and the Philippines intend to boost security cooperation, as they both face China’s aggressive maritime activities in the East and South China Seas, respectively.
Japan already has signed similar agreements with Britain and Australia.