Philippines, Japan move for stronger security ties in face of rising China threat

MANILA: Japan and the Philippines will hold high-level defense talks next month, Manila said Friday, as the two countries seek to boost ties in the face of an increasingly confrontational China.
Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara and Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa will discuss “bilateral and defense and security issues affecting the region” at the July 8 meeting in Manila, a Philippine foreign affairs department statement said.