Marcos visits Japan seeking closer security ties


Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, center, talks with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd James Austin III, third from left, during a courtesy call at the Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines. - AP

TOKYO (Reuters): Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr arrived in Japan on Wednesday for a visit that is expected to pave the way for closer security ties with Tokyo, as Manila increasingly sides with the United States in its regional tussle with China.

Marcos and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are expected to deepen cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, a possible precursor to establishing a broader legal framework that would allow Japanese forces to deploy to the Philippines more easily.

The Star Christmas Special Promo: Save 35% OFF Yearly. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Aseanplus News

Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Sunday (Dec 28, 2025)
Thai and Cambodian foreign ministers arrive in China for trilateral talks
Taking no chances - Road closures, enhanced security for New Year festivities in Singapore
Beyond physical damage, floods leave deep emotional wounds in Indonesia's Aceh
Thailand sees the ceasefire with Cambodia as a strategic move and not a retreat
China teacher suspended for cursing at noisy pupils, hoping they would catch the flu
Philippine live births fall to around 1.36 million in 2024
Vietnam to provide free HPV, pneumococcal vaccines for children from 2026
Millions of Afghans face hunger as aid cuts deepen a humanitarian crisis, says UN humanitarian chief
Thais, Cambodians fear returning home despite border truce

Others Also Read