Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is planning to visit Japan in late October to hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Philippine government sources say arrangements are underway for Duterte to make his first visit to Japan since assuming office in June. Duterte and Abe held talks on the sidelines of a series of ASEAN summit meetings earlier this month. Abe notified Duterte of Japan’s decision to provide patrol ships and other assistance to the Philippine Coast Guard to help boost its surveillance capability. (Image/Reproduction: NHK) If the Tokyo meeting takes place, the leaders are expected to confirm their commitment to forge closer ties in the field of national security as China’s maritime activities increase in the South China Sea. Duterte will also likely urge Japan to increase investment in his country’s manufacturing sector as part of Manila’s drive to invite foreign investment. The President is also considering a trip...
Join the Conversation