The Philippines and Japan are poised to elevate its ties to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday.

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.

Japanese firms pledged about USD3.4B in investments to the Philippines after a business meeting led by Marcos in Tokyo.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr is receiving ‘exceptional level of hospitality’ in Tokyo