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Philippine Leader's Meeting With Japan Emperor Canceled

   TOKYO --

   Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is leaving Japan without meeting
   Emperor Akihito as the scheduled meeting had to be canceled because of
   the death of the emperor's uncle.

   Duterte earlier Thursday proposed joint military exercises with Japan,
   while reiterating that he will not conduct them with Americans in his
   presidency.

   Duterte made the proposal during his visit to a coast guard unit to
   observe an exercise from one of the patrol vessels Japan pledged to
   provide the Philippines to upgrade Manila's maritime security
   capabilities amid South China Sea disputes with Beijing.

   Duterte has criticized U.S. foreign policy while cozying up to Beijing
   to calm the dispute.

   He said Wednesday he wants foreign troops out of his country possibly
   within the next two years, referring to visiting U.S. troops.