Japanese Prime Minister Arrives in the Philippines for Official Visit

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in the Philippines today, Friday, for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening military and security relations amid rising tensions between the Philippines and China. Kishida will meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the presidential palace to discuss a range of issues including the South China Sea, where several confrontations have occurred between Manila and Beijing. According to Marcos' office before Kishida's visit, topics for discussion will include the West Philippine Sea, trade and investment, and Japanese official development assistance.