The Philippines and Japan announced Thursday, May 28, that it would begin negotiations on the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA).
The forthcoming agreement would be the latest milestone in the growing defense and security ties between the two Asian countries. It is also a relationship set against a backdrop of rising maritime and territorial tensions, shifting geopolitical realities, and a shared ally that wants its partners to play larger roles in deterrence and regional security.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Takaishi Sanae made the announcement late May 28, following a bilateral meeting and Marcos’ address to the Japanese National Diet or its national parliament.
“Lastly, we jointly announced the commencement of the negotiations for the General Security of Military Information Agreement, as well as for the delimitation of our maritime borders. These are very important steps to further strengthen our defense cooperation and to uphold a rules-based maritime order. They will enhance the mutual trust between our two countries,” Marcos said during a press conference.
The Philippines currently has a GSOMIA with the United States, while Japan has the same agreement with South Korea and similar deals with other countries, including the US.
