Philippines and Japan have signed a military aid package and pledged to negotiate a defense pact amid rising tensions with China. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida promised development aid packages to the Philippines and emphasized the need to deepen cooperation in security. The Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) was also discussed, which could lead to joint military drills and troop deployments. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based approach in resolving competing claims in maritime areas and freedom of navigation in the East and South China Seas. The visit comes as tensions between China and the Philippines escalate over disputed waters.

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