When Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. travels to Tokyo for four days from Tuesday, he will be greeted with the pomp of a state visit and given one of Japan*s highest awards.

But beyond the ceremonies, Marcos and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are expected to get down to business in talks focused on defense and energy issues amid China*s growing military assertiveness and turmoil in the Middle East.

During the trip 〞 the first state visit by a Philippine leader in more than a decade 〞 Marcos is expected to meet with Takaichi on Thursday.