From Seoul to Manila: How the Evolving GSOMIA Architecture Could Make the Western Pacific Less Secure

What makes the recent military-strategic developments orchestrated primarily by Japan, South Korea, Philippines and United States more dangerous than ever? And how can their impact on the Western Pacific be evaluated?

These developments are a series of serious changes in the Western Pacific which could endanger the security of China, Russia, and North Korea. In fact, the combined efforts of Japan, South Korea, Philippines and US are creating insecurities for the regional countries. The upcoming Doshin-Bayanihan 6-26 military exercise between Japan and Philippines scheduled from 4 October 2026 till 9 October 2026, and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) are applied for the very first time.

General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA)

The General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) between Japan and South Korea is also key to this. Signed in November 2016, the agreement provides Japan and South Korea the means to protect classified military information, and in particular, intelligence relating to North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. In 2019, South Korea announced it was terminating the agreement. However, in March 2023, it withdrew the termination notice. For Japan, GSOMIA is a foundation of trilateral cooperation in security with South Korea and the United States.

The above-mentioned arrangements in conjunction with Japan’s shifting focus towards the south, give this cooperation a completely new and bigger dimension.

Japan-Philippines Military Cooperation

On May 28, 2026, Japan and the Philippines formalized a partnership to expand cooperation in a wide range of areas........

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