Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in his role as the chief ally of the United States, on Wednesday pressed Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on the importance of the alliance with the U.S. in terms of securing the region.

Despite Abe's efforts, it is too early to tell if the prime minister's message was effectively conveyed to the Filipino leader, whose hostile comments against the U.S. raised concerns over the country's policy shift toward China.

During the summit talk at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo, the two leaders touted their "strategic partnership" and further cemented bilateral relations.