President Joe Biden emphasized the unwavering commitment of the United States to the defense of Japan and the Philippines during the launch of a novel trilateral partnership in the Indo-Pacific region, where these countries face separate territorial disputes with China.
Biden's remarks came as he convened the inaugural trilateral summit between the three nations, extending a warm welcome to Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House following the recent visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Both Japan and the Philippines are entangled in territorial disputes with China, involving the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea for Japan and areas within the South China Sea for the Philippines.
The US president underscored that any aggression against Philippine aircraft, vessels, or armed forces in the South China Sea would trigger the mutual defense treaty between the United States and the Philippines.
Marcos' visit to Washington occurred shortly after Manila raised concerns about a Chinese vessel engaging in "highly dangerous maneuvers" near the Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed area close to the Spratly Islands.
The trilateral partnership between the US, Japan, and the Philippines follows the establishment of other groupings in the Indo-Pacific, including the Quad (comprising India, the US, Australia, and Japan) and AUKUS (involving Australia, the US, and the UK), amid escalating apprehensions over China's assertive military actions in the region.
Biden highlighted the pivotal role of the Indo-Pacific in shaping global history in the coming years and pledged collective efforts to forge a free, open, prosperous, and secure region. He portrayed the US, Japan, and the Philippines as staunch allies and proud democracies committed to writing the region's future narrative together.
The president outlined key areas of cooperation, including technology, clean energy, semiconductor supply chain security, and maritime and security ties.
Furthermore, Biden announced the initiation of an economic corridor in the Philippines as part of the G-7's global infrastructure and investment initiative, aiming to stimulate job creation and investment in critical sectors such as clean energy, transportation, and agriculture across the Indo-Pacific region.
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida emphasized the necessity of multi-layered cooperation among allies and like-minded nations to uphold a free and open international order based on the rule of law, particularly amidst complex global challenges.
Philippine President Marcos echoed the sentiment of partnership and shared vision among the three nations, emphasizing their deepening relations rooted in democracy, good governance, and the rule of law. He highlighted the historic significance of the summit and expressed optimism about future collaboration in addressing contemporary challenges and fostering regional development and peace.
In a joint statement, the leaders affirmed their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region and welcomed cooperation with partners who share these goals, while also expressing support for ASEAN centrality and unity.
China responded to the trilateral meeting and joint statement, expressing strong opposition to the practice of bloc politics and urging against actions that escalate tensions or compromise other countries' interests. China reiterated its sovereignty claims over disputed territories and defended its activities in the East China Sea and South China Sea as lawful and justified.
