US, Japan, and Philippines Commit to Strengthening Partnership in Response to China’s Aggression
The Philippines has condemned the actions of the Chinese regime for what it describes as ‘escalatory actions’ at the start of the new year.
On January 12, leaders from the United States, Japan, and the Philippines held a virtual meeting, emphasizing their commitment to enhance cooperation under a trilateral framework established in response to the increasingly assertive behavior of the Chinese communist regime in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The three leaders concurred on the necessity of ongoing coordination to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific,” was noted.
Biden also expressed confidence that his successor, President-elect Donald Trump, would appreciate the significance of sustaining the trilateral relationship.
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“In simple terms, our countries share a mutual interest in continuing this partnership and institutionalizing our intergovernmental cooperation to ensure its longevity,” Biden stated, as cited in Manila’s official release.
“I’m optimistic that my successor will appreciate the significance of sustaining this partnership, framing it appropriately.”
Marcos expressed his “confidence” that the three nations would “maintain the progress” achieved in strengthening their diplomatic relations.
The office of the Philippine president indicated that Biden praised Marcos for his diplomatic response to “China’s aggressive and coercive actions” in the contested South China Sea.
In a related statement, Japan’s foreign ministry noted that the three leaders opposed “unilateral attempts to alter the status quo through force” in the East and South China Seas without specifically naming China.
Recently, two Chinese coast guard ships were spotted near the contentious Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on January 5 and January 10, one of which was described by Manila as “the monster.”
In response to the regime’s recent maritime maneuvers, Manila lodged a protest on January 13 regarding what it termed China’s “escalatory actions” within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“The actions of these Chinese vessels and aircraft ignore Philippine and international laws,” stated the Philippines’ National Maritime Council. “China must instruct its vessels to refrain from illegal actions that infringe upon the sovereign rights of the Philippines in its EEZ.”
Philippine Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada and Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros released statements on January 13 urging stronger measures.
“Together, we will demonstrate to China that no ‘Monster’ vessel can intimidate us.”
Reuters contributed to this report.
