Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to visit the Philippines on November 3–4 to reaffirm the close ties between Tokyo and Manila’s security and economic cooperation through a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

As quoted by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Kishida and Marcos will be discussing areas of mutual concern about political, security, economic, and development cooperation, as well as regional and international issues, to reiterate the relationship between Japan and the Philippines.

Kishida’s visit comes at a time of continuous tension between the Philippines and China over the encounters in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), in which Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs shows major concern over the collision between Chinese and Filipino vessels last week.

It expressed its opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force and to any actions that may increase tension in the WPS.

In February, Marcos visited Japan, conducted a bilateral meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister, and met with various business leaders and investors.