Aquino, Japanese PM begin summit meeting

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, left, talks with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during their meeting at Abe’s office in Tokyo Tuesday, June 24, 2014. AP

TOKYO—President Benigno Aquino III and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday began their fourth summit meeting in the last 12 months by putting emphasis on the two countries’ strategic partnership.

Citing their “frequent communication,” Premier Abe told Mr. Aquino, taking note in the development of the two countries’ bilateral relationship.

“Both Japan and the Philippines share universal values and between us there is a strategic partnership. So with you, Mr. President, I certainly would like to develop our relationship,” Premier Abe added.

In response, President Aquino said the Philippines welcomes the “opportunity to revitalize the strategic partnership between our two countries.”

Expected to be on the summit meeting’s agenda is China’s increasing aggressiveness is claiming territories in the South and East China Seas.

China is claiming a large swath of the South China Sea, encroaching on Philippine territories in the West Philippine Sea.

Japan is embroiled in a territorial dispute with China over the Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands, known as Diaoyutai in China.

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