Philippine President Ferdinand Mar-cos Jr is receiving an exceptional level of hospitality in a four-day state visit to Japan.
There is a palace banquet, a prestigious national award and a clear message that Tokyo is keen to upgrade ties with a nation it sees as a key defence partner – and major arms customer.
Marcos’s visit ending with his departure today has included a greeting by Emperor Naruhito, who gave him the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum.
Yesterday, Marcos held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, which are expected to result in statements further strengthening defence and weapons cooperation.
Speaking on Wednesday to Japanese lawmakers, Marcos said the emphasis on raising ties to a higher level reflects an “exceptional level of trust” between the nations.
Marcos is the first potential major customer of Japanese arms since Takaichi’s government scrapped a ban on lethal weapons exports. The change in April was a break from Japan’s postwar pacifist policy as the nation accelerates its military and arms industry buildup.
The nations agreed to pursue negotiations on a sale of multiple Abukuma-class destroyers and Japanese navy TC-90 training aircraft.
Philippine Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr, who observed joint live-fire exercises with his Japanese counterpart earlier this month, also expressed interest in Type-88 surface-to-ship missiles.
Japanese officials say Marcos’s state visit also is linked to the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries and to the Philippines this year holding the rotating presidency of Asean.
Marcos and Takaichi also are expected to arrange formal talks meant to achieve a military intelligence sharing pact, which would enable closer communication and help tighten trilateral military cooperation with the United States, their mutual ally, Japanese officials said.
Japan has provided a set of five coastal surveillance radars to the Philippines as part of official security assistance and intelligence-sharing would enhance reconnaissance cooperation.
Japan plans to enhance its partnership with the Philippines beyond Marcos’s presidency, which ends in 2028. — AP
