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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Jim Gomez

Japan defense chief visits Philippines to deepen security ties and witness combat exercise

Philippines Japan - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi traveled to the Philippines on Tuesday to witness an international combat drill and conduct talks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. intended to broaden defense ties between the nations, officials said.

Koizumi's meeting in the capital Manila with Marcos and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. may include discussion of a possible transfer of used Japanese destroyers to the Philippines.

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