. >>> in an earlier meeting, prime minister abe told philippine president benigno aquino that japan will help his country in improving maritime security. abe stopped over in manila on saturday after visiting malaysia and singapore. abe referred to south china sea territorial disputes between china and southeast asian countries including the philippines. he said all countries should observe international law and refrain from any unilateral action. abe also said japan will use official development assistance to provide ten patrol boats to the philippine coast guard. aquino said the countries concerned should pledge to each other that they will act in a responsible manner. he also expressed hope for a peaceful solution based on international law. after the meeting, abe stressed importance of bilateral ties. >> translator: the philippines is our strategic partner. we share basic values and interests. i hope for stronger ties between the two nations. >> both countries are facing maritime territorial claims by china. >>> on friday, abe met u.s. vice president joe biden in singapore. biden stre