Setting sea border with Japan vital: Philippine foreign secretary

Lazaro says talks should not include China, despite criticism

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro speaks during an interview on June 10 on the sidelines of the Future of Asia Forum in Tokyo. (Photo by Yuki Kohara) 

TOKYO -- Establishing clear maritime boundaries between the Philippines and Japan is of vital importance to the country's national defense, Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro said in an interview on Wednesday.