Japan and the Philippines have expressed growing concern over China's assertive actions in the South China Sea. The strategic trade route has become a hotspot for geopolitical tensions, largely due to China's extensive territorial claims, which an international tribunal has declared to lack legal basis. Despite this, China continues to assert its dominance, prompting Japan and the Philippines to strengthen their security cooperation.
Recent confrontations between the Philippines and China over disputed waters and reefs have heightened tensions. In response, Japan has become a crucial partner in modernizing the Philippines' patrol craft and maritime surveillance systems in the South China Sea. This alliance aims to bolster the Philippines' defense capabilities amidst increasing pressure from Chinese coast guard ships patrolling close to Philippine shores.
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya met with his Filipino counterpart Enrique Manalo and President Ferdinand Marcos in Manila. During these talks, Iwaya voiced concerns over repeated actions that escalate tensions in the region.
"I am gravely concerned that actions heightening tension in the South China Sea are repeated." – Iwaya
He emphasized that such activities pose a legitimate concern for the international community, linking directly to regional peace and stability.
The geopolitical security environment is increasingly complex and challenging, as noted by Manalo. Unilateral actions by China aim to undermine the rule of law in both the East and South China Seas.
"Our geopolitical security environment is growing more and more complex and challenging." – Manalo
"Unilateral actions that aim to undermine the rule of law in the East and South China Seas." – Manalo
The United States' longstanding security alliance with the Philippines includes a mutual defense treaty and a 2014 agreement allowing U.S. military equipment storage on nine Philippine bases. This trilateral partnership with Japan is set to be reinforced as all parties seek to counterbalance China's influence.
"Maintain and strengthen the momentum for our trilateral cooperation." – Iwaya
Japan and the Philippines have vowed to enhance their resilience and adaptive capacities by addressing defense and security issues together.
"So we agreed to work together in that context, not only to address issues in the sense of defence and security, but to enhance resilience and enhance adaptive… capacity of our nations." – Iwaya
The incoming U.S. President Donald Trump has prioritized an "America First" agenda, which focuses on avoiding foreign conflicts and adopting protectionist trade policies. Nonetheless, Japan and the Philippines aim to maintain their trilateral partnership with the U.S., recognizing the strategic importance of their collective security efforts.
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