The Japanese Prime Minister has arrived in Manila for a two-day visit.<br /><br /> It is Shinzo Abe’s first stop in a four-nation tour.<br /><br /> The Japanese leader wants to boost his country’s trade and security engagements, particularly in the context of China’s rise to Asian dominance.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> Japan's Abe arrives in Manila for official visit https://t.co/gFSSt6RS9D #AbeinPH pic.twitter.com/Frm3PH0miI— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) January 12, 2017<br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> WATCH<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> Japan PM Abe arrives in Malacañang to kick off two day official visit manila_bulletin pic.twitter.com/GUcY0HJfiY— GenKabiling (GenKabiling) January 12, 2017<br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> Where else is Abe going?<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> Australia, Indonesia and Vietnam.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> Is the visit significant?<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> Yes.<br /><br /> Abe is the first national leader to visit since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in June.<br /><br /> Commentators say it is an important affirmation of Duterte’s leadership at a time when he faces domestic and international criticism for a brutal crackdown on illegal drugs that has claimed more than 6,000 lives.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> LOOK: PHL, JPN flags displayed on streets of Manila for the 2-day official visit of PM Shinzo Abe. | via sweeden_v pic.twitter.com/8f8hGyZcQ8— People's Television (PTVph) January 12, 2017<br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> What will Abe and Duterte discuss??<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> The two sides plan to sign agreements to bolster cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure and security.<br /><br /> Japan is now among the top trading partners of the Philippines and is also one of its largest aid providers.<br /><br /> Tokyo has also provided patrol ships to help the Philippines protect its territory, amid longstanding territorial rifts with China.<br /><br /> Japan also says it is ready to finance a major railway project in the south, where Duterte hails from.<br /><br /> China has also pledged help.<br /><br /> After Manila, Abe will travel to southern Davao city, Duterte’s hometown.<br /><br /> Duterte will host breakfast for the Japanese premier at his home.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> President Duterte, PM Abe to sign trade, security deals – Read: https://t.co/rVlIzubG98 #BeFullyInformed— Manila Bulletin News (@manila_bulletin) January 12, 2017<br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> Is this the first time they have met?<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> No.<br /><br /> Duterte visited Japan in October.<br /><br /> He and Abe agreed to cooperate in promoting regional peace and stability.<br /><br /> Both acknowledged the importance of their alliances with Washington.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> Protests<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> Around two dozen activists, led by four women who were forced into sexual slavery by Japanese troops in the Second World War, protested outside the Japanese embassy in Manila.<br /><br /> 87-year-old Narcisa Claveria said she and other women were treated like “pigs” by Japanese troops during the war.<br /><br /> She says many fellow victims died without getting justice.<br /><br /> It is not clear whether the women’s demand would be raised by Duterte in his talks with Abe.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> ATM: Comfort women Lila Pilipina picket Japan embassy in Manila protest likely military alliance between Pres. Duterte and Shinzo Abe pic.twit
