(Photo courtesy of PNA)
TOKYO – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced Monday plans to attend the upcoming ASEAN-related summit in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meeting in China next week.
Takaichi disclosed her travel plans during an executive meeting of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
During her visit to the Philippines, the Japanese leader is expected to participate in a summit under the Japan-led Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) framework, which promotes decarbonization and energy cooperation among Southeast Asian countries and other participating nations.
Leaders of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, comprising Japan, the United States, Australia and India, are also expected to meet on the sidelines of the ASEAN gatherings.
The planned meeting would mark the first gathering of Quad leaders since US President Donald Trump began his second term in January 2025.
Takaichi is also seeking a bilateral meeting with Trump during her stay in the Philippines.
Following the ASEAN meetings, the Japanese prime minister is scheduled to travel to China for the APEC summit, marking her first visit to the country since assuming office in October 2025.
Her visit comes amid strained diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Beijing, with attention focused on whether she will hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is set to chair the APEC gathering.
A possible meeting between the two leaders would provide an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues amid continuing tensions between Japan and China.
