Japan and the Philippines to hold high-level defense talks on July 8 amid rising tensions with China.

Japan and the Philippines will hold high-level defense talks on July 8, amid rising tensions with China. The talks aim to strengthen strategic ties and discuss regional defense and security concerns. Japan’s Defense Minister Minoru Kihara and Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa will meet with their Philippine counterparts to discuss bilateral and defense and security issues affecting the region.