(MENAFN) Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confronted escalating maritime disputes during Sunday discussions at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit held in Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur.

Takaichi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. committed to reinforcing bilateral collaboration spanning multiple sectors, with security cooperation receiving priority emphasis.

Throughout the bilateral session, Takaichi articulated her commitment to deepening ties with Manila toward "realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific," according to a statement by the Japanese Prime Minister's office.

Both heads of state reached consensus on "continuing close coordination in addressing various international challenges, including the situation in the South China Sea," as well as in North Korea, Myanmar and at the Cambodia-Thailand border.

In separate discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Takaichi conveyed her intention to amplify cooperative efforts across diverse areas including national security and economic development.

The two leaders also discussed "various regional and international issues, including the situation in the South China Sea, the situation in Myanmar, and developments in the Middle East."

During broader ASEAN summit proceedings, Takaichi independently addressed the maritime territorial crisis, voicing alarm over "activities that infringe upon Japan's sovereignty" in the East China Sea and "militarization and coercive activities" in the South China Sea.

Takaichi, recognized for her hardline foreign policy positions, assumed office as Japan's first female prime minister on Oct. 21. Her Malaysian visit represented her inaugural international diplomatic engagement since taking power.

China, the Philippines and Malaysia along with additional regional powers maintain competing maritime territorial assertions in the South China Sea, generating sustained geopolitical friction.

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