Manila: Malaca±ang on Wednesday said there is no confirmation yet on reports that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. may visit Japan next month. 'Nothing is confirmed. We are still considering the invite,' Palace Press Officer Claire Castro told reporters, responding to a Nikkei Asia report that Tokyo is planning to host Marcos for a high-level visit.

According to Philippines News Agency, the report said the proposed trip could include a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to reaffirm cooperation on a 'free and open Indo-Pacific'. The Philippines and Japan have significantly deepened ties in recent years, particularly on defense and security.

In 2024, the two countries signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), allowing closer military cooperation and joint exercises, seen as part of broader efforts with the United States (US) to maintain stability in the region. Tensions in the West Philippine Sea have remained a key concern, with Manila repeatedly protesting what it describes as aggressive actions by Chinese vessels within its exclusive economic zone.

Japan has been among the Philippines' strongest partners in upholding international law, including the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea. Beyond security, Tokyo is also a major development partner of Manila, supporting infrastructure, maritime capacity-building, disaster resilience, and energy security initiatives.