World

First US-Japan-Philippines summit to boost defence ties

US and Japanese flags are seen
 
US and Japanese flags are seen
TOKYO: The leaders of Japan and the Philippines head to Washington this week for a first trilateral summit aimed at boosting defence ties.

Military command structures between the United States and Japan could be announced, as well as joint coast guard patrols with Manila.

The talks will 'advance a trilateral partnership built on deep historical ties of friendship, robust and growing economic relations... and a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,' the White House said. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that the Japan-US relationship is 'more ironclad than ever' and that his trip will 'demonstrate this message to the world'. — AFP