May 22, 2026

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will undertake a state visit to Japan from May 26 to 29, during which he is set to meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and they are reportedly expected to discuss "cooperation toward realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific" and "coordinating responses to China's maritime expansion," according to media reports.

Several media reports previewed the agenda for the talks, with Manila Bulletin releasing a report titled "Security ties with Japan top Marcos' agenda during Tokyo trip." Philippine media GMA News reported that the Philippine president and the Japanese prime minister are expected to discuss the future trajectory of the Philippines and Japan's strengthened strategic partnership. The Japan Times reported that Marcos and Takaichi will discuss Japan's evolving defense and security posture, and will also likely to involve another subject that has garnered headlines in recent days: Taiwan.

A Chinese expert said that beyond economic and trade cooperation, the talks between Japan and the Philippines will inevitably involve military and security cooperation, defense exports, particularly on maritime security, the South China Sea, and Taiwan-related issues. 

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https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202605/1361669.shtml