The Philippines is seeking to sign a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with countries including Canada, France, and New Zealand, according to the Philippine Defense Minister on Monday, July 22. Officials in the Philippines have indicated that reaching such agreements could lead to the formation of a defense alliance, seen as a measure to counter China’s aggression and threats.
In early July, the Philippines signed an RAA with Japan allowing military deployments in each other’s territories to address the increasingly assertive stance of China in the region. This move is also seen as paving the way for Japan’s Self-Defense Forces to participate formally in joint military exercises with the United States and the Philippines.
Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr. reiterated on Monday that the Philippines is preparing to negotiate similar agreements with Canada, France, New Zealand, and other nations. He expressed hope that these agreements could be finalized next year.
Teodoro stated that these agreements would enhance interoperability, enabling the armed forces of these countries to operate within Philippine territory and vice versa. He described it as “very close to forming a defense coalition.”
Canada, France, and New Zealand have all voiced their support for the Philippines’ sovereignty in its exclusive economic zone extending 200 nautical miles from its shores.
China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Indonesia also have partial claims in the area. In 2016, an international tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China’s claims, which Beijing has since refused to acknowledge.
For years, a small group of Filipino troops have been stationed aboard the rusty landing ship “BRP Sierra Madre” deliberately grounded at Second Thomas Shoal (known as Ayungin Shoal in the Philippines) to assert Manila’s sovereignty over the area.
In recent months, there have been multiple clashes and standoffs between Chinese and Filipino forces in the South China Sea. Chinese coast guard vessels have repeatedly impeded Philippine resupply missions to the troops stationed on the shoal.
Last month, a Filipino soldier lost a finger in a confrontation that Manila characterized as a “deliberate high-speed ramming” by Chinese coast guard personnel.
Last week, the United States pledged to take necessary measures to support the Filipino authorities in their resupply missions. The Philippine National Security Council announced on Sunday that resupply missions to Second Thomas Shoal are temporarily still being handled by the Philippines.
A spokesman for the Philippine military also stated that after exhausting all means in conducting resupply missions, they would seek foreign intervention.
Under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, the United States is bound to aid the Philippines in the event of an armed attack on its troops, ships, or aircraft in the South China Sea.
On Sunday, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement confirming that an agreement on the “temporary arrangements” for the resupply missions for the BRP Sierra Madre had been reached between China and the Philippines.
The DFA did not provide detailed information on the agreement but stated that both sides deemed it necessary to dialogue to ease tensions and manage disputes in the South China Sea, while agreeing the agreement would not undermine their respective positions in the region.