The Pressure from China and the Boycott of Japanese Products: The Quiet Progress of the Japan-Philippines Defense Network

1 Why is the Japan-Philippines Defense Agreement in the Spotlight Now?

In the fall of 2025, the security relationship between Japan and the Philippines reached a significant turning point.
The "Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA)" came into effect on September 11at the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines, and the first training exercise under this agreement was conducted in October. This framework, which establishes procedures and legal status for the Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine military to conduct training, disaster response, and military cooperation in each other's countries, elevates the collaboration between the two nations to a level close to an "alliance."

The Philippines is the third country with which Japan has concluded an RAA, following Australia and the United Kingdom, and the first in Asia. It can be said that a system has been established for Japanese troops to be stationed in the Philippines in earnest for the first time since World War IISouth China Morning Post.

2 The South China Sea and East China Sea: Two Sources of Tension

The aim of the agreement is, of course, to address the rise of China.
The Philippines is in fierce conflict with China over territorial claims in the South China Sea (referred to by the Philippines as the "West Philippine Sea"). Particularly around the Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal), there have been repeated incidents where Chinese Coast Guard vessels surrounded Philippine supply ships, using high-pressure water cannons and laser beamsTaiwan News.

In 2016, an arbitral tribunal ruled that China's extensive claims have no basis in international law, but China has not recognized the ruling and is gradually expanding its effective controlTaiwan News. The Philippines has long been at the forefront of this pressure.

Meanwhile, Japan is also in conflict with China over the Senkaku Islands (known as Diaoyu Islands in China) in the East China Sea. With the regular intrusion of Chinese Coast Guard ships into Japanese territorial waters, strengthening cooperation with the Philippines is not a "distant issue" for Japan.

3 What Changes with the RAA?—Cooperation in "Four Domains"

Victor Manhit, a security analyst in Manila featured in a DW article, points out that the RAA will further advance cooperation in four domains: air force, army, navy, and cyberspaceTaiwan News.

Japan and the Philippines have already conducted joint training through participation in US-Philippines joint exercises, but with the RAA

• procedures for the entry of visiting forces and the handling of carried weapons

• taxation and criminal jurisdiction

• logistics, maintenance, and medical support

and other detailed rules are established, making it a "user-friendly" agreement. This directly impacts the speed of deployment and deterrence in times of need.

Furthermore, Japan is also considering providing up to six Abukuma-class destroyers, operated by the Maritime Self-Defense Force, to the Philippine Navy. These 2,000-ton ships have anti-submarine and anti-ship capabilities, supplementing the Philippine Navy with "destroyer-class" capabilities that it currently lacksReuters.

4 Japan-US-Philippines "Triangular Cooperation" and the Message of Joint Exercises

On November 14-15, Japan, the US, and the Philippines conducted joint exercises called Multilateral Maritime Cooperation Activities (MMCA) in the South China SeaTaiwan News. The location was the area claimed by the Philippines as the "West Philippine Sea."

The exercises reportedly focused on anti-submarine warfare and communication training, emphasizing defense, but the political message is clearThe Tribune.

"If there is an attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the South China Sea, Japan and the US can respond alongside the Philippines."

This is a declaration of intent.

Beijing strongly opposed this, criticizing it as "undermining regional peace and stability"Taiwan News. From the Chinese perspective, it may appear that the US, Japan, and the Philippines are trying to form a "containment network."

5 The Economic Card of Boycotting Japanese Products

The military pressure exchange is also affecting the economy.
Following a statement by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takai that "Japan would have to act in self-defense if China invades Taiwan by force," China reacted strongly. It was reported that a Chinese diplomat posted extremely provocative expressions on social media, which were later deletedTaiwan News.

The Chinese government has suspended imports of Japanese seafood and urged its citizens to refrain from traveling to Japan, resulting in the cancellation of approximately 500,000 Japan-bound airline ticketsTaiwan News. The military confrontation is extending to the civilian level, affecting tourism, food, and aviation.

This "economic card" could indirectly impact Japan-Philippines cooperation. Some experts see it as an attempt to slow down the progress of the RAA and joint training by putting pressure on JapanTaiwan News.

6 The Dilemma of the Philippines Regarding a Taiwan Contingency

The RAA is closely linked not only to the South China Sea issue but also to discussions about a Taiwan contingency.

Philippine President Marcos once stated that if a conflict occurs in Taiwan, the Philippines would be "involved whether they like it or not." China warned against this, calling it "playing with fire"Taiwan News.

Japan and the US are believed to want to consult with the Philippines on scenarios involving a contingency around Taiwan. This is because

• geographically, Taiwan and northern Philippines are very close, making them key points for sea and air routes

• about 160,000 Filipino workers live in Taiwan, necessitating evacuation operations

these realities existTaiwan News.

However, the Philippines' primary concern remains the sovereignty and resources of the South China Sea, and there is strong caution against becoming too deeply involved in the Taiwan issue. Experts point out that despite the RAA, the specifics of how much the Philippine military would cooperate in a Taiwan contingency are not yet solidifiedTaiwan News.

7 Divided Opinions on Social Media: Welcome, Anxiety, and Irony

The Japan-Philippines agreement and the DW article have been widely shared on various social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn. The DW official account and Asia-related sub-accounts posted the article, attracting numerous commentsX (formerly Twitter). Discussions are also taking place in the "japannews" thread on RedditReddit.

The actual posts are diverse, but the main points of discussion can be summarized as follows (the following are typical opinions and do not refer to specific users).

① Japanese Online Public Opinion: Valuing Deterrence While Fearing Involvement

• "It's difficult for the Philippines to oppose China alone. It's natural for democratic countries to support each other," voices welcoming strengthened cooperation.

• On the other hand, there are also posts expressing concern about increased burdens, such as "With the RAA, Japan may become more deeply involved in the South China Sea conflict, leading to a two-front situation with a Taiwan contingency."

• Regarding China's boycott of Japanese products, opinions are divided between those who calmly accept it as "just another economic sanction card" or "in the long run, it will only lead to further distancing from China," and those who worry that "it will impact local fisheries and tourism."

② Philippine Online Public Opinion: Reassurance and Memories of Colonial Times

On Philippine social media, especially among the younger generation, there are noticeable comments expressing expectations such as "Finally, Japan is seriously supporting us" and "A major boost to naval modernization."

Meanwhile, from those sensitive to historical issues,

• "A sense of discomfort with the return of the military from a country that occupied us during World War II"

• "Even if it's for deterring China, too much reliance on foreign military could undermine our sovereignty"

such cautious opinions are also being posted.

③ Chinese Social Media: A Sense of Encirclement and Anger

On Chinese-language social media, there are many posts strongly opposing the RAA and trilateral exercises, viewing them as "part of a containment strategy against China."

• Criticisms involving history, such as "Japan is trying to return to militarism again"

• Cynical comments like "The Philippines is just being used by the US and Japan"

and other nationalistic expressions are not uncommon.

However, even within the Chinese-speaking community, there