Philippines-Japan troop pact 'launchpad' for more defense ties

MANILA -- The newly signed agreement allowing Japanese troops to visit the Philippines for joint drills and training is seen as a potential launchpad to develop a robust security partnership between the two countries, as tensions in the South China Sea, most of which is claimed by China, continue to simmer.

The two nations signed the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) on Monday, less than a year since formal negotiations began after Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited Manila in November. The RAA with Japan will be the Philippines' third bilateral agreement on military training and access, after similar deals with the U.S. and Australia. While the latest agreement has yet to be enforced, analysts see the potential for more deals down the road.