Centrum Stosunków Międzynarodowych - 12 January 2017: Japan-Philippines Summit, Philippines

In a continued round of official trips by Shinzo Abe, the Japanese Prime Minister met with President Rodrigo Duterte of the Phillipines. This is a continuation of a new geopolitical strategy by the Japanese leadership, in response to the incoming US administration and continuing tensions with China in the South China Sea.It is also the first head to state visit to the country under Duterte’s presidency. Alongside pledging assistance to help President Duterte with his policies on illegal drugs, five agreements have been signed within which Prime Minister Abe has promised a 1 trillion aid package.

The Philippines Coast Guard will purchase specialist high speed boats and other counter- terroism equipment from the Japanese. The Japanese will also fund infrastructure to achieve low carbon growth in the Phillipines.