Japan woos visiting Philippine leader during state visit with arms sales and China in mind

TOKYO — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is receiving an exceptional level of hospitality that included a palace banquet during a four-day state visit to Japan that culminated Thursday. The visit sends a clear message that Tokyo is keen to upgrade ties with a nation it sees as a key defense partner — and major arms customer — at a time of fears over China's military activity in Asia. Marcos' visit, which ends with his departure Friday, included a meeting Wednesday with Emperor Naruhito, who gave him the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, one of Japan's highest decorations. On Thursday, Marcos held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi , agreeing to further strengthen cooperation in defense and weapons , as well as other areas. Both nations have China firmly in mind as they tighten a military relationship that the United States hopes will act as a bulwark against Beijing's ambitions in the East and South China Seas and its designs on Taiwan, the self-governing island China claims as its own. In his address to the Upper House of the Japanese p

Original source: Korea Times