West Philippine Sea: Japan-PH military deal ‘none of China’s business’ – Teodoro

MILITARY ACCESS President Marcos witnesses the ceremonial signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement between Japan Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa (second from left) and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in Malacañang on Monday. With them are Japan Defense Minister Minoru Kihara (left) and Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo. MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday dismissed China’s objection to the landmark military deal between Japan and the Philippines.

On Monday, Manila and Tokyo signed the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which enables a mechanism for shared military training and operations and larger joint exercises between the two countries.

“It is a matter internal to Japan and Philippines, so it is actually none of China’s business,” Teodoro told reporters in an ambush interview in Taguig City.

READ: Philippines, Japan strengthen ties as key defense agreement signed

Teodoro made the remark after China’s foreign ministry reacted to the RAA, saying bilateral agreements should not “target … or harm the interests of any third party.”

“The Asia-Pacific region does not need any military bloc, still less groupings that incite bloc confrontation or a new Cold War,” said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian in a regular press briefing on Monday.

READ: Expert: Sharing common ‘threat’ led to swift inking of PH-Japan defense pact

Security expert Chester Cabalza on Monday said the  signing of RAA, which was conducted ahead of the projected deadline, shows that both countries share the same “common threat that should be deterred.”

Manila and Tokyo have territorial disputes with Beijing over the maritime features in the West Philippine Sea and Pinnacle (Senkaku) Islands, respectively.

The ratification of the RAA is now in the hands of Philippine senators and their counterparts in Japan.