ISTANBUL 

Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi raised the issue of the South China Sea during talks Sunday at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur.

Takaichi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agreed to strengthen cooperation across several fields, including security.

During the meeting, Takaichi also expressed her desire to further enhance relations with the Philippines for “realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” according to a statement by the Japanese Prime Minister’s office.

The two leaders also agreed 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.

During her talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Takaichi expressed her wish to further strengthen cooperation in various fields with Malaysia, including security and the economy.

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.”

Separately, Takaichi also raised the South China Sea issue at the ASEAN summit, where she expressed her concerns for “activities that infringe upon Japan's sovereignty” in the East China Sea and “militarization and coercive activities” in the South China Sea.

Takaichi, who is known for her hawkish views, became Japan’s first female prime minister on Oct. 21. Her visit to Malaysia marked her first official overseas trip since taking office.

China, the Philippines and Malaysia as well as other regional countries have overlapping maritime claims in the South China Sea, causing tensions.