The Associated Press reports that “Japan signed an agreement Monday to supply defense equipment to the Philippines, the first such Japanese defense pact in a region where the U.S. allies have been alarmed by China’s advance in disputed territories.”  

“Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the agreement he signed with the Japanese ambassador to Manila, Kazuhide Ishikawa, provides a framework for the supply of defense equipment and technology and will allow the Asian countries to carry out joint research and development projects.”