Arrangements are underway for a trilateral summit of Japan, the United States and the Philippines next month, when Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio makes an official visit to the US.

Kishida is scheduled to hold talks with President Joe Biden on April 10. The prime minister is due to address a joint session of Congress the following day.

Sources say Japanese and US government officials are working to invite Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the US for a trilateral summit during Kishida's stay.

The three countries last year established a framework of senior security officials in light of China's increasing maritime assertiveness in the East and South China seas.

They have been discussing ways to promote defense cooperation, such as joint exercises.

At the talks, the three leaders are expected to share the progress of the discussions and confirm further security cooperation.

Observers say Japan is aiming to enhance regional deterrence and response capabilities by strengthening ties with its ally, the US, and the Philippines, which is engaged in a territorial dispute with China.