The leaders of Japan and the Philippines agreed Wednesday to consider the launch of security talks involving the two countries' foreign and defense ministers in an apparent bid to bolster cooperation in dealing with China's growing maritime assertiveness in the region.The idea of holding the so-called two-plus-two talks was discussed when Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida spoke by phone with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, during which they also agreed to step up efforts to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific, according to the Foreign Ministry.If realized, the Philippines would b…READ FULL ARTICLE
