Japan PM Kishida arrives in Philippines on official visit

Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. inspect honour guards during the welcome ceremony at Malacanang Palace, in Manila, Philippines, on Friday, November 3, 2023. - Reuters

MANILA (Reuters): Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in the Philippines on Friday for a two-day official visit aimed at boosting defence and security ties at a time of heightened tension in Philippines-China relations.

Kishida will meet President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the presidential palace to discuss a range of issues, including the South China Sea, where Manila and Beijing have had several confrontations.