U.S., Japan, and Philippines Unite Against China's Aggression in the South China Sea
A trilateral summit held at the White House on April 11 brought together the leaders of the United States, Japan, and the Philippines to address the escalating tensions in the South China Sea. The meeting served as a platform for the three nations to reaffirm their commitment to upholding international law and pushing back against China's aggressive actions in the disputed waters.
President Joe Biden, alongside his counterparts, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., expressed their deep concerns over China's "dangerous and aggressive behavior" in the South China Sea. They condemned the militarization of artificial islands and unlawful maritime claims, highlighting the threat these actions pose to regional stability.
China's Foreign Ministry responded with strong disapproval, labeling the joint statement a "wanton smear attack" and summoning a Japanese diplomat to lodge a formal protest.
The summit also witnessed the strengthening of military cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines. President Biden reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to defend the Philippines under the 1950s mutual defense treaty, explicitly stating that this commitment extends to disputes in the South China Sea. This clarification addressed a long-standing ambiguity surrounding the treaty's applicability.
Furthermore, the three countries announced plans for a trilateral coast guard exercise in the Indo-Pacific region and the establishment of a dialogue to enhance future cooperation. These initiatives underscore their collective resolve to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
The summit also yielded significant economic agreements, including backing for new infrastructure projects in the Philippines. These projects, focusing on ports, rail, clean energy, and semiconductor supply chains, aim to bolster the Philippine economy and strengthen its strategic partnership with the U.S. and Japan.
The trilateral summit served as a powerful demonstration of unity against China's assertive actions in the South China Sea. The joint commitment to upholding international law, strengthening military cooperation, and fostering economic ties sends a clear message that the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines stand together in safeguarding regional stability and prosperity.