Japan's prime minister makes key visit to Manila
- 7 years ago
The Japanese Prime Minister has arrived in Manila for a two-day visit.
It is Shinzo Abe’s first stop in a four-nation tour.
The Japanese leader wants to boost his country’s trade and security engagements, particularly in the context of China’s rise to Asian dominance.
Japan's Abe arrives in Manila for official visit https://t.co/gFSSt6RS9D #AbeinPH pic.twitter.com/Frm3PH0miI— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) January 12, 2017
WATCH
Japan PM Abe arrives in Malacañang to kick off two day official visit manila_bulletin pic.twitter.com/GUcY0HJfiY— GenKabiling (GenKabiling) January 12, 2017
Where else is Abe going?
Australia, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Is the visit significant?
Yes.
Abe is the first national leader to visit since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in June.
Commentators say it is an important affirmation of Duterte’s leadership at a time when he faces domestic and international criticism for a brutal crackdown on illegal drugs that has claimed more than 6,000 lives.
LOOK: PHL, JPN flags displayed on streets of Manila for the 2-day official visit of PM Shinzo Abe. | via sweeden_v pic.twitter.com/8f8hGyZcQ8— People's Television (PTVph) January 12, 2017
What will Abe and Duterte discuss??
The two sides plan to sign agreements to bolster cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure and security.
Japan is now among the top trading partners of the Philippines and is also one of its largest aid providers.
Tokyo has also provided patrol ships to help the Philippines protect its territory, amid longstanding territorial rifts with China.
Japan also says it is ready to finance a major railway project in the south, where Duterte hails from.
China has also pledged help.
After Manila, Abe will travel to southern Davao city, Duterte’s hometown.
Duterte will host breakfast for the Japanese premier at his home.
President Duterte, PM Abe to sign trade, security deals – Read: https://t.co/rVlIzubG98 #BeFullyInformed— Manila Bulletin News (@manila_bulletin) January 12, 2017
Is this the first time they have met?
No.
Duterte visited Japan in October.
He and Abe agreed to cooperate in promoting regional peace and stability.
Both acknowledged the importance of their alliances with Washington.
Protests
Around two dozen activists, led by four women who were forced into sexual slavery by Japanese troops in the Second World War, protested outside the Japanese embassy in Manila.
87-year-old Narcisa Claveria said she and other women were treated like “pigs” by Japanese troops during the war.
She says many fellow victims died without getting justice.
It is not clear whether the women’s demand would be raised by Duterte in his talks with Abe.
ATM: Comfort women Lila Pilipina picket Japan embassy in Manila protest likely military alliance between Pres. Duterte and Shinzo Abe pic.twit
It is Shinzo Abe’s first stop in a four-nation tour.
The Japanese leader wants to boost his country’s trade and security engagements, particularly in the context of China’s rise to Asian dominance.
Japan's Abe arrives in Manila for official visit https://t.co/gFSSt6RS9D #AbeinPH pic.twitter.com/Frm3PH0miI— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) January 12, 2017
WATCH
Japan PM Abe arrives in Malacañang to kick off two day official visit manila_bulletin pic.twitter.com/GUcY0HJfiY— GenKabiling (GenKabiling) January 12, 2017
Where else is Abe going?
Australia, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Is the visit significant?
Yes.
Abe is the first national leader to visit since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in June.
Commentators say it is an important affirmation of Duterte’s leadership at a time when he faces domestic and international criticism for a brutal crackdown on illegal drugs that has claimed more than 6,000 lives.
LOOK: PHL, JPN flags displayed on streets of Manila for the 2-day official visit of PM Shinzo Abe. | via sweeden_v pic.twitter.com/8f8hGyZcQ8— People's Television (PTVph) January 12, 2017
What will Abe and Duterte discuss??
The two sides plan to sign agreements to bolster cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure and security.
Japan is now among the top trading partners of the Philippines and is also one of its largest aid providers.
Tokyo has also provided patrol ships to help the Philippines protect its territory, amid longstanding territorial rifts with China.
Japan also says it is ready to finance a major railway project in the south, where Duterte hails from.
China has also pledged help.
After Manila, Abe will travel to southern Davao city, Duterte’s hometown.
Duterte will host breakfast for the Japanese premier at his home.
President Duterte, PM Abe to sign trade, security deals – Read: https://t.co/rVlIzubG98 #BeFullyInformed— Manila Bulletin News (@manila_bulletin) January 12, 2017
Is this the first time they have met?
No.
Duterte visited Japan in October.
He and Abe agreed to cooperate in promoting regional peace and stability.
Both acknowledged the importance of their alliances with Washington.
Protests
Around two dozen activists, led by four women who were forced into sexual slavery by Japanese troops in the Second World War, protested outside the Japanese embassy in Manila.
87-year-old Narcisa Claveria said she and other women were treated like “pigs” by Japanese troops during the war.
She says many fellow victims died without getting justice.
It is not clear whether the women’s demand would be raised by Duterte in his talks with Abe.
ATM: Comfort women Lila Pilipina picket Japan embassy in Manila protest likely military alliance between Pres. Duterte and Shinzo Abe pic.twit