A: Hey there! Any idea about the news?

B: No, what's up?

A: Japan just endorsed a security deal with the Philippines called the Reciprocal Access Agreement!

B: Oh, really? What does that mean?

A: Well, it means when their militaries train together or do activities in each other's countries, they can handle weapons and stuff safely. Plus, if something bad happens, they can deal with it properly. Japan has similar deals with Britain and Australia too!

B: Cool, so when did they approve this?

A: It happened at a meeting on Friday, and all the major parties like the Liberal Democratic Party, Constitutional Democratic Party, and others voted for it. Only a few like the Japanese Communist Party and Reiwa Shinsengumi didn't agree.

B: I see. So Japan wants to deepen their defense ties with the Philippines now that it's approved?

A: Absolutely! They hope this pact will help them strengthen security cooperation with Manila even more, by doing things like exporting defense equipment and joining joint drills.
----------------

The Upper House of Japan's Diet has endorsed a security cooperation pact with the Philippines.



The Reciprocal Access Agreement will apply when Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine military hold joint drills and other activities in the countries.



The deal covers matters including the handling of weapons and ammunition during joint training, as well as the right to exercise jurisdiction in the event of accidents or other incidents. Japan has also concluded such pacts with Britain and Australia.



At an Upper House plenary session on Friday, the latest accord was approved by a majority vote.



Those voting in favor include the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Komeito, the Constitutional Democratic Party, the Japan Innovation Party and the Democratic Party for the People.



The Japanese Communist Party and Reiwa Shinsengumi are among those that voted against.



Japan's government is promoting defense cooperation with Manila through such measures as exports of defense equipment and joint drills by the Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine military.



Now that the pact has been endorsed, the government hopes to further strengthen security cooperation with Manila.