Japan PM Ishiba to push security and economic ties on Philippines visit

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr walking with Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the Malacanang Palace in Manila, on April 29. PHOTO: REUTERS

UPDATED Apr 29, 2025, 06:27 PM

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MANILA – Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was set to meet President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on April 29 during a two-day visit to the Philippines, as two of Washington’s closest Asian allies seek to boost security and economic ties amid rising Indo-Pacific tensions.

The visit comes at a crucial time, with both countries confronting growing concerns over China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea and broader regional security, while also navigating global trade tensions sparked by sweeping US tariffs. 

Mr Ishiba arrived at the presidential palace in Manila in the late afternoon ahead of the meeting and was greeted by an honour guard and a member of the Mr Marcos’ Cabinet.  

Mr Marcos and Mr Ishiba are expected to deepen defence and economic ties under their “Strengthened Strategic Partnership”, with talks focusing on Japan’s security assistance to Manila and a landmark military pact that would allow deployment of forces on each other’s soil.