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Japan Deploys Troops to Philippines for Historic Drills

3/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will send about 300 personnel to join Salaknib drills in the Philippines next month, the first Japanese combat presence on Philippine soil since World War II.
The deployment signals closer Manila-Tokyo ties amid rising tensions with China, with the Philippines hosting U.S. forces in joint drills.
Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner Jr. called the move historic, and Japanese forces may join Balikatan in April as participants.

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Story summary

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will send about 300 personnel to join Salaknib drills in the Philippines next month, the first Japanese combat presence on Philippine soil since World War II.
The deployment signals closer Manila-Tokyo ties amid rising tensions with China, with the Philippines hosting U.S. forces in joint drills.
Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner Jr. called the move historic, and Japanese forces may join Balikatan in April as participants.