agreed to sharply boost their defense ties

allowing Japanese troops greater access to Philippine territory

as tensions rise in Asia amid China's growing influence

reached an agreement on allowing the US more access to Philippine military bases to keep China's territorial ambitions in check

The defense agreement signed by Marcos Jr, and JPM will allow Japanese troops to join training exercises to respond to natural disasters and humanitarian needs in the Philippines.

The agreement is seen as a step toward broader military cooperation and could lead to similar agreements between Japan and other Southeast Asian nations.