Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is arranging to visit Japan in early June, according to diplomatic sources from both countries.
If realized, it would be Duterte’s second visit to Japan as president following one in October last year. The talks with Abe would be his fourth following those in January.
Duterte is eager to improve relations with China, and he visited China in October last year. He will also participate in China’s diplomatic event regarding its “One Belt, One Road” initiative next month. He also intends to visit Russia around the same time.
The Japanese government hopes to stop the Philippines from getting closer to China and Russia by strengthening its own relationship with the Philippines.
It seems the issue of the South China Sea and other matters will be discussed in the summit talks.
Source: Yomiuri Image: Wikimedia
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