Defense agreement signed by Philippines and Japan amid South China Sea tensions

Defense agreement signed by Philippines and Japan amid South China Sea tensions.
Seeking stability in the region amid rising tensions with China, the Philippines and Japan on July 8 boosted their defense ties by signing a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA).
The agreement is the first of its kind signed by Japan in Asia. The aggressive activities by Chinese ships in the disputed South China Sea has increases.
Two of the United States’ closest Asian allies, the Philippines and Japan, have both taken a strong stance against China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.
The South China Sea is a region where Beijing’s expansive claims clash with those of several Southeast Asian countries.
An international tribunal in 2016 said China’s claims had no legal basis, but Beijing rejected the ruling.