The leaders of Japan and the Philippines agreed Tuesday on the start of discussions to pave the way for key security pacts, aiming t

MANILA (Reuters) -Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was set to meet President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Tuesday during a two-day visit to the Philippines, as two of Washington's closest Asian allies seek to boost security and economic ties amid rising Indo-Pacific tensions.

The Philippines and Japan plan to expand their security partnership, their leaders said, as both countries grapple with maritime disputes with China.