Japan and Philippines launch first joint exercise under defense logistics pact

Japan and the Philippines will begin their first joint humanitarian exercise under a new defense logistics pact on Sunday, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced Friday. The six-day exercise marks the initial implementation of the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, which took effect in August. During the exercise, the Philippine Air Force will supply fuel to an Air Self-Defense Force aircraft, a cooperation enabled by the ACSA. Koizumi called the first application an important step symbolizing that defense cooperation between the two countries has entered a new stage. Japan and the Philippines, both US allies, have strengthened security collaboration in recent years amid China's maritime assertiveness in the East and South China seas.