Manila: Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu is scheduled to visit the Philippines to engage in a bilateral meeting with his Philippine counterpart, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, on January 15, as announced by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the agenda for the meeting will include a review of the Philippines-Japan 'Strengthened Strategic Partnership' and discussions on regional and international issues. One of the focal topics will be the Philippines' leadership role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The talks between the two nations' top diplomats will also address the current situation in the South China Sea. This discussion follows Motegi's remarks at the 20th East Asia Summit, held alongside the ASEAN Leaders' Summit in Malaysia in October 2025, where he expressed Tokyo's opposition to any unilateral attempts to alter the regional status quo through force or coercion.

Motegi emphasized Japan's serious concerns over the increasing intensity of coercive activities in the South China Sea and urged for a peaceful resolution to maritime disputes by adhering to the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Award.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan.