The Philippine President is accorded a state visit, signaling Manila’s growing importance to Japan and vice versa

Japan is a key counterweight for the Philippines to deal with its maritime challenges in the South China Sea, analysts say.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday departed the country for a four-day state visit to Japan.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos | Photo from Presidential Communications Office MANILA, Philippines —President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First…