The central thesis of this article emphasizes the profound significance of the recent defence agreement between Japan and the Philippines. It highlights the transformative potential of this agreement in shaping the regional dynamics throughout Southeast Asia. The collaborative endeavour aspires to counterbalance China’s escalating influence in the area by strengthening military cooperation and reinforcing a strategic alliance. Notably, this agreement can reconfigure prevailing power structures and security measures in the region. Consequently, it is of utmost value to scrutinize the implications of this agreement and discern its ramifications for regional stability, power dynamics, and future geopolitical evolutions in Southeast Asia.

The significance of this agreement is further highlighted when considering its timing and the context in which it is taking place. In recent years, China’s assertive expansion in the South China Sea has led to heightened tensions with neighbouring countries, including the Philippines. Despite the arbitration verdict by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016, which nullified China’s extensive claims, Beijing has remained undeterred in its pursuit of actions. China has been determined to assert its dominance and has continued to increase its military presence and undertake infrastructure development on the disputed islands.

Against the backdrop of this precarious situation, the Philippines faces the formidable challenge of........

© Eurasia Review