Marcos, Japan PM eyeing further talks over South China Sea issue —Palace

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are eyeing further discussions on the maritime issues in the South China Sea, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said Friday (Philippine time).

At a press conference in New York after the bilateral meeting between Marcos and US President Joe Biden, Cruz-Angeles said there were no specific talks regarding Japan's assistance to the Philippines in terms of patrolling and defending the West Philippine Sea.

"The talks weren’t very specific yet kasi nga these are sideline talks. But certainly maritime issues were forefront in the agenda: maritime law, maritime security, and peace in our region. So that was one of the primary considerations on the side of the Japanese Prime Minister," Cruz-Angeles said.

"I understand they are setting for further talks on this matter," she mentioned, adding that the Philippines is still waiting for the result of the meeting between Marcos and Kishida.

During the bilateral meeting with Kishida, Marcos discussed with the Japanese prime minister strengthening cooperation in priority areas for his administration such as agriculture, energy, health and infrastructure.

Cruz-Angeles earlier said Marcos and Kishida also "reaffirmed their commitment to reinforce ties and strengthen cooperation in response to the challenges and opportunities in the regional security and economic landscape."

Japanese Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Hikariko Ono said that Kishida also mentioned in the meeting that "the international community needs to oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force in the East and South China Sea, as well as economic coercion." — RSJ/KBK, GMA News