Japan PM eyes Philippines, Vietnam visits as early as April

TOKYO (Kyodo) — Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is considering visiting the Philippines and Vietnam during Japan’s Golden Week holiday from late April, government sources said Thursday, as Tokyo seeks closer ties with the Southeast Asian nations amid China’s assertiveness in the region.

Ishiba is expected to confirm the importance of ensuring a rules-based maritime order, with Beijing’s growing presence in the East and South China seas in mind, the sources said.