ASEAN foreign ministers tackle S. China Sea, Trump admin in retreat

ASEAN foreign ministers tackle S. China Sea, Trump admin in retreat

Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay speaks at a news conference in the central Philippine resort Boracay Island on Feb. 21, 2017, after chairing a one-day meeting of foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Abe's Philippine visit in January to include trip to Davao

Abe's Philippine visit in January to include trip to Davao

Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay speaks during an interview with Kyodo News in Manila on Dec. 22, 2016. Yasay said Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will travel to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's hometown of Davao when he visits the country next month, making it a "very significant and unique" trip. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Top U.S. diplomat says Philippines remains "strong ally"

Top U.S. diplomat says Philippines remains "strong ally"

Undated photo shows Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel said in Manila on Oct. 24, 2016, after talks with Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay that the United States remains a "strong ally" of the Philippines. But Russel also said Duterte's anti-U.S. rhetoric and "a real climate of uncertainty about the Philippines' intentions" have "created consternation in a number of countries." (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan, Philippines voice opposition to use of force in S. China Sea

Japan, Philippines voice opposition to use of force in S. China Sea

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida (L) and Philippine counterpart Perfecto Yasay shake hands at the end of a joint press conference following their talks in the city of Davao in the southern Philippines on Aug. 11, 2016. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo