Tensions surrounding China's actions in the South China Sea took the spotlight as U.S. President Joe Biden hosted a historic trilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The meeting focused on countering Beijing's heightened pressure on Manila, with discussions revolving around joint military initiatives and infrastructure investments in the Philippines.
The three leaders expressed strong concerns regarding China's aggressive behavior in the disputed South China Sea, criticizing the militarization of reclaimed territories and unlawful maritime claims made by Beijing. Despite a previous personal appeal by President Biden to Chinese President Xi Jinping, tensions have continued to escalate in the region, prompting the trilateral summit to address these issues head-on.
One of the key points discussed during the summit was the 1950s mutual defense treaty between the U.S. and the Philippines, with President Biden affirming Washington's commitment to respond to any armed attack on the Philippines in the South China Sea. Notably, Manila pushed for clarity on the treaty's applicability to disputes in the sea, seeking assurances from the U.S. regarding their defense commitments.
In response to China's expansive claims in the South China Sea, which conflict with the economic zones of neighboring countries, the trilateral meeting also emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Plans for joint coast guard exercises and ongoing dialogues were announced, underscoring the united front presented by the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines against Chinese pressures. Additionally, economic agreements were unveiled to strengthen ties and support infrastructure development in the Philippines, focusing on key sectors like ports, rail, clean energy, and semiconductor supply chains.