08:16, 31-Oct-2017
Japan-Philippines Ties: Leaders of Japan and the Philippines issue joint statement
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Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe welcomed Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to Tokyo to discuss strengthening ties. The two leaders announced upcoming infrastructure projects and addressed tensions on the Korean Peninsula. CGTN's correspondent Terrence Terashima has more.
Visiting President Rodrigo Duterte reaffirmed close ties between Japan and its commitment in infrastructure projects underway in the Philippines. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Duterte said Tokyo is committed in economic assistance to the Philippines in the next fives years.
SHINZO ABE JAPAN'S PRIME MINISTER "We will promote the building of Metro Manila subway and projects to improve the north-south commuter rail. We will also work towards local city development, including the improvement of roads and infrastructure related to disaster reduction."
Japan's 8.8 billion dollars 5-year assistance includes development of railway linking Clark and Manila. The two leaders discussed extensively on the regional security issues, South China Sea, Maritime Security and tensions in the Korean Peninsula. Abe and Duterte confirmed its joint commitment for maritime security in the region. While Abe asked for continued support in resolving the DPRK threats.
SHINZO ABE JAPAN'S PRIME MINISTER "Japan and the Philippines will cooperate to address common issues such as the DPRK's missile and nuclear issue and the early resolution of the abduction issue, as well as the realisation of free and open Indo-Pacific."
RODRIGO DUTERTE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES "We condemn this test and call on all concerned stakeholders to return to the negotiating table to peacefully resolve the situation."
Philippine is a strategic importance for Abe, interested in securing safe shipping lane from the Middle East, which also reflect US interest in the region. However, Abe might face a situation where he has to mediate between Duterte and Trump.
EFFREY KINGSTON DIRECTOR OF ASIAN STUDIES AT TEMPLE UNIVERSITY IN TOKYO "He is in a sense Philippine version of Trump and he is going to Philippines first policies, when you have a clash of Philippines and US first policies, it will be interesting to see what would happen. It's Hard to predict."
TERRENCE TERASHIMA TOKYO Coincidently Abe will have a chance to discuss the regional matter with US President Donald Trump soon after Duterte, before both leaders, head for Vietnam and Philippines for APEC and ASEAN meetings. Terrence Terashima, CGTN, Tokyo.