The Philippines has ratified a key defence pact with Japan, which allows them to deploy troops on each other’s soil as they boost ties to bolster against China’s growing pressure. Both countries are longtime allies of the United States, which has been strengthening an arc of alliances to deter China’s disputed territorial claims in the Pacific. The pact, which also allows for increased joint combat drills, was ratified by the Philippine senate with no negative votes or abstentions, Senate President Francis Escudero said on Monday.
