Aquino back home from Japan

MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino is back home from Tokyo, where he attended the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit. A key issue during that summit – the tensions in the East China Sea over Beijing’s air defense identification zone. The zone covers disputed islands also claimed by Japan. Aquino reiterated that all countries must follow the rule of law amid the various territorial disputes. He also announced that Japan is helping the Philippines beef up its maritime capabilities. The President also hailed strong ties between the Philippines and Japan, which has pledged more aid for the survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda. The Filipino community in Japan donated one million yen for those affected by “Yolanda” as well. In the wake of the typhoon, Aquino also called on other ASEAN nations to improve climate change response. News Now, ANC, December 15, 2013.