Japan is considering providing annually more than 200 billion yen ($1.6 billion) in aid to the Philippines for its infrastructure development, government sources say, with the two countries trying to bolster their economic ties.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. could make a state visit to Japan early next year, likely before he makes a similar visit to China, his top aide says, as Manila continues to bolster its defense cooperation with Tokyo amid Beijing s growing maritime assertiveness.
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi says he will visit Manila to attend Philippine President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. s inauguration ceremony later this week.
Space technology and surveillance could be the next step toward air defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines in response to China s increasing military activities in the Indo-Pacific.