Malacañang is keeping its cards close to the chest regarding reports that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is slated for a high-level diplomatic visit to Japan next month.
The clarification follows a report by Nikkei Asia stating that Tokyo is currently laying the groundwork to host the Philippine leader.
According to the report, the visit would likely feature a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, centered on reinforcing the “free and open Indo-Pacific” strategy shared by both nations.
However, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that the trip is far from a done deal.
“Nothing is confirmed. We are still considering the invite,” Castro told reporters on Wednesday.
The prospect of another Manila-Tokyo summit comes at a time of unprecedented cooperation between the two neighbors. In 2024, the relationship reached a security milestone with the signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA).
This landmark defense pact streamlines the process for joint military exercises and enhances interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Japan Self-Defense Forces.
These strengthening ties, often bolstered by trilateral cooperation with the United States, serve as a counterweight to persistent maritime tensions in the region.
Japan has remained a staunch advocate for the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea, consistently upholding the 2016 arbitral ruling that dismissed China’s expansive territorial claims.
Beyond the lens of defense, Tokyo remains a cornerstone of Philippine economic growth, providing critical support for large-scale infrastructure projects, energy security, and the modernization of maritime assets.