Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says in Beijing that he may visit Japan in the second week of February to discuss economic and regional security, among other topics, with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
A century-old giant lantern festival in the Philippines has resumed after a three-year hiatus from in-person celebrations due to COVID-19 restrictions, with spectators enjoying the festivity that has historical links with Japan.
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.
The leaders of Japan and the Philippines agree their countries will further strengthen cooperation in sectors such as security, energy and infrastructure, according to the Japanese government.
Seventy-seven years on, war-displaced Filipino-Japanese descendants on an island province in the western Philippines continue to struggle to openly claim their roots.