Marcos on historic Japan trip, to seek cooperation against China

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr visits Japan to discuss boosting defense and other ties with Tokyo to counter China's assertiveness in the South China Sea.

Tue May 26 2026

Marcos's Historic Japan Visit

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr is making a rare visit to Japan this week. This marks the first state visit by a Philippine leader to Japan in over a decade. The four-day trip is seen as Manila's latest bid to establish a counterweight to Beijing over the South China Sea dispute.

Strengthening Cooperation for South China Sea Security

According to analysts, Marcos is expected to discuss boosting defense and other ties between Manila and Tokyo amidst the security challenge posed by China's growing maritime assertiveness. Marcos is scheduled to meet with key Japanese officials during his visit.

*Source: SCMP (2026-05-26)*

Tags: #Philippines #Japan #South China Sea #Defense Cooperation #China