The White House is deeply concerned about China’s actions in the South China Sea, especially as tensions between China and two US allies, Japan and the Philippines, continue to escalate. President Joe Biden is set to host a historic summit with the leaders of Japan and the Philippines, focusing on addressing territorial disputes with China in the region. Both Japan and the Philippines have separate disputes with China, with Japan concerning the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, and the Philippines in the South China Sea.
The Philippines-China tensions have centered around the Second Thomas Shoal, which lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The Philippines grounded an old navy transport ship on the shoal in the 1990s to enforce its claim to the area, but China also claims the shoal as its territory, resulting in recent clashes between the two countries’ forces. The meeting between Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida, and Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is intended to show support and solidarity with the Philippines in the face of Chinese aggression.
The meeting comes at a time of increased aggression from China in the region, along with concerns about North Korea’s nuclear provocations and its ties with Russia, drawing regional allies closer to the US. Japan has been a key partner in Biden’s efforts to strengthen alliances in the Indo-Pacific, showing willingness to shift its defense posture and support US interests, including in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The US and the Philippines have a mutual defense treaty dating back to 1951, which binds them to come to each other’s aid in the event of an attack.
The meeting between the US, Japan, and the Philippines is expected to result in several announcements aimed at bolstering the Philippines’ capabilities against China. These announcements include new infrastructure projects, increased military capabilities, and joint military exercises with Australia near the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone. The White House plans to invest in Open Radio Access Network technology and provide funding for Coast Guard patrols in the Indo-Pacific in the coming year, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the security and stability of the region.
Overall, the historic meeting marks a significant step in the US strategy to counter China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea and strengthen ties with key allies in the region. The announcements and initiatives planned during the summit are designed to enhance the Philippines’ ability to defend its territorial claims and deter further Chinese aggression. The cooperation between the US, Japan, and the Philippines signals a united front against China’s destabilizing actions in the region, reaffirming the US commitment to upholding a rules-based international order and promoting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.
