Marcos to raise West PH Sea issue during trilateral talks with US, Japan – envoy

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 6) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to raise the territorial dispute issue in the West Philippine Sea during trilateral talks with the United States and Japan, Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel "Babe" Romualdez said Tuesday.

"We're all allies, basically Japan, the United States and the Philippines. Obviously, the West Philippine Sea will most likely be part of the discussion," the ambassador said.

According to Romualdez, the agenda of the meeting will also include how the three countries can work together to strengthen economic security.

"Economic cooperation between the two countries with the Philippines is also very important for us... The president was very eager to have that meeting," he added.

Marcos arrived in In Indonesia on Tuesday to attend the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from Sept. 5 to 7.

During his departure speech, Marcos said he would push the county's priorities during the summit and use his time in Indonesia to build stronger ties with other nations.

But Romualdez said they are still trying to figure out when the trilateral talks will be held, given the tight schedule of US Vice President Kamala Harris.

During her historic visit to Palawan last year, Harris reaffirmed America's support for long-standing ally Philippines amid tensions in the WPS.

With reports from CNN Philippines' correspondent Rex Remitio.