Philippines ratifies key protection pact with Japan

Manila –
The Philippines on Monday ratified a key protection pact with Japan, which permits them to deploy troops on one another’s soil, with the international locations boosting ties amid China’s rising assertiveness.

Both international locations are longtime allies of the United States, which has been strengthening an arc of alliances to discourage China’s disputed territorial claims within the Pacific.

The pact — which additionally permits for elevated joint fight drills — was ratified by the Philippine senate with no unfavourable votes or abstentions, Senate President Francis Escudero stated.