President Joe Biden convened a historic trilateral summit at the White House on Thursday, bringing together Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The primary objective of this summit was to demonstrate unity in countering China's military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
During the summit, the leaders announced plans for a joint patrol in the Indo-Pacific in 2024 involving their coast guards. This initiative follows law enforcement drills conducted last year near the disputed South China Sea. Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard will host Filipino and Japanese counterparts on a U.S. vessel for training during the patrol.
The summit also featured significant economic discussions, with major U.S. companies such as Meta, UPS, and Greenbrier Energy unveiling investments in the Philippines. These investments underscore the growing economic ties between the nations.
Amid concerns over China's actions in the Pacific, the leaders emphasized the importance of countering Chinese intimidation. The U.S. sees the trilateral summit as a means to strengthen alliances and promote peace and stability in the region.
Relations between China and the Philippines have been strained by incidents in the South China Sea, including clashes involving coast guard vessels. The leaders expressed a commitment to safeguarding freedom of navigation in the region and maintaining peace.
President Biden's engagement with President Xi Jinping of China highlighted U.S. concerns about Chinese activities in the South China Sea. The trilateral agreement aims to uphold peace and security in the region while addressing challenges posed by China's actions.
President Marcos emphasized the importance of cooperation among the three nations to ensure peace and stability in the South China Sea. Chinese officials, however, criticized external involvement in the region, accusing the U.S. of exacerbating tensions.
The trilateral summit marks a significant step in strengthening cooperation among the U.S., Philippines, and Japan in addressing regional security challenges. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law and promoting a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
