President Biden, alongside the leaders of Japan and the Philippines, made history on Thursday by convening the first-ever joint meeting aimed at strengthening security and economic alliances in the Indo-Pacific region as a defense against Chinese aggression.
During the meeting at the White House, Mr. Biden emphasized the importance of deepening maritime and security ties with Japan and the Philippines, stating unequivocally that the United States’ defense commitments to both countries are ironclad. The goal of the alliance is to create a web of partnerships that can withstand Chinese pressure in trade, technology, and military aggression.
The leaders, without explicitly naming China, underscored the necessity of unity in the face of growing coercion and unlawful tactics in the South China Sea. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan stressed the importance of multilayered cooperation, while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines highlighted the shared values of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law.
While the bolstering of alliances may not provide an immediate solution to Chinese provocations in the South China Sea, the meeting demonstrated a strong military and diplomatic unity among the three allies. The United States, Japan, and the Philippines are planning joint naval drills in the region to assert freedom of travel through international waters claimed by China.
The prospect of future naval drills near the Philippines sends a strong message to China, prompting the possibility of scaling back harassment in the short term. However, the long-term goal is to establish a resilient web of alliances that can withstand changes in U.S. foreign policy, even under a more isolationist administration.
Following the meeting, the three countries announced new initiatives to enhance cooperation in infrastructure projects, technology, research, and global humanitarian assistance efforts. The collaboration aims to strengthen economic ties, modernize wireless communications, and increase military cooperation among the nations.
Overall, the joint meeting of the leaders of the United States, Japan, and the Philippines marks a significant step towards building a united front against Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region, showcasing a commitment to peace, security, and prosperity for all.
