Manila – Malacañang announced on Friday (12 April 2024) the establishment of a “stronger” trilateral cooperation between the Philippines, the United States, and Japan, aimed at safeguarding the Indo-Pacific region to ensure “a better future for all.”
This significant trilateral alliance emerged following the inaugural trilateral summit between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House.
“During the historic summit, President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida solidified a stronger trilateral bond with the Philippines, pledging to uphold security in the Indo-Pacific region,” stated Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil.
In his opening address at the trilateral meeting, President Marcos emphasized that the Philippines’ collaboration with the US and Japan is rooted in a shared vision for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific amid challenges to the international rules-based system.
“Our partnership is not merely pragmatic but a natural evolution of deepening relations and robust cooperation among our three nations, united by a profound commitment to democracy, good governance, and the rule of law,” Marcos conveyed to Biden and Kishida.
Addressing the pressing challenges of the contemporary era demands unified action, a dedication to common objectives, and an unwavering adherence to the rules-based global order, Marcos added, framing the summit as a forward-looking endeavor.
Highlighting the significance of the trilateral summit as a foundational step, Marcos underscored it as an opportunity to chart a collective vision for the future and delineate the strategies for its realization.
Biden reiterated the US’ unwavering defense commitments to Japan and the Philippines, affirming that any aggression against Philippine assets in the South China Sea would trigger the mutual defense treaty.
“The United States’ defense commitments to Japan and the Philippines are unequivocal. As I’ve stated previously, any aggression against Philippine aircraft, vessels, or Armed Forces in the South China Sea would activate our mutual defense treaty,” Biden asserted, characterizing Marcos and Kishida as allies and partners in the landmark assembly.
Describing the new phase of partnership with the Philippines and Japan as emblematic of a “new era,” Biden emphasized the collective aspiration to construct an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, prosperous, and secure through strengthened trilateral bonds.
Kishida reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to bolster its ties with the US and the Philippines, pledging full cooperation for regional peace and stability.
“To secure peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, I aim to reaffirm our commitment to enhancing trilateral cooperation and delineating a concrete path forward through today’s meeting,” Kishida affirmed.
The historic trilateral summit was attended by high-level representatives from each country’s foreign affairs, defense, trade, and energy ministries.
“This landmark summit is the culmination of extensive preparatory engagements between our Foreign Ministries, National Security Advisers, and Vice Ministers, alongside joint maritime exercises and development cooperation,” Marcos remarked.
In parallel, the three nations resolved to deepen economic ties and fortify economic relations, with President Marcos and the two world leaders endeavoring to explore avenues for economic growth, climate resilience, sustained progress, and global peace for future generations.
The US and Japan reiterated their commitment to supporting the Philippines’ endeavors to combat climate change and enhance its economic landscape by fostering industries and generating employment opportunities for Filipinos.
Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the US have spanned 77 years since their formal establishment on July 4, 1946, while the Philippines and Japan have celebrated 67 years of normalized relations since July 23, 1956, further solidifying their strategic partnership since 2011.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — The three-way summit among leaders of the Philippines, the United States, and Japan is set to produce an agreement to maintain security and ensure freedom of navigation in the South China Sea (SCS), according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The summit, scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. on April 11, will bring together Marcos, US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to deliberate on advancing their defense, security, and economic interests.
President Marcos, who departed from Manila on Wednesday, emphasized that the specifics of the agreement between the three countries would be hashed out during his meetings with Biden and Kishida. He articulated that the agreement’s focus lies in bolstering cooperation to uphold security and navigation rights in the contested waters of the South China Sea.
Marcos clarified the nature of the agreement, stating, “Well, this is essentially an agreement between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines. Our cooperation in maintaining security and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. That is the essence of it.” He further elucidated that the discussions in Washington would delve into the operational aspects of the cooperation and its implementation.
During his interaction with reporters, Marcos underscored the significance of the summit in fostering strategic partnerships among the three nations. He indicated that the discussions would encompass not only security measures but also economic collaboration, reflecting a multifaceted approach to addressing regional challenges and opportunities.
The departure of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. from Manila marked the commencement of what is anticipated to be a pivotal moment in regional diplomacy. His attendance at the historic trilateral summit signifies the commitment of the Philippines to actively engage with key allies in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region.
The summit holds the promise of consolidating the strategic alignment between the Philippines, the United States, and Japan, reinforcing the framework of cooperation to tackle common security concerns. Beyond immediate security considerations, the discussions are expected to explore avenues for enhancing economic integration and promoting sustainable development across the region.
As President Marcos embarks on this diplomatic mission, the eyes of the international community are keenly fixed on the outcomes of the summit. The agreements and initiatives emerging from the discussions are poised to have far-reaching implications for regional stability and the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific.
(Sourced online/el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following China’s latest aggression against Philippine vessels, the United States has reaffirmed its commitment to the mutual defense pact with Manila.
On Saturday (23 March 2024), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that Chinese vessels yet again used a power water cannon against a civilian vessel chartered to resupply Philippine troops on the BRP Sierra Madre, a World War Two-era ship that was deliberately grounded on Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea to serve as a symbol of the country’s sovereignty.
“The United States stands with its ally the Philippines and condemns the dangerous actions by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) against lawful Philippine maritime operations in the South China Sea on March 23,” US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement, also on Saturday shortly after the incident.
He pointed out that the “US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft – including those of its Coast Guard – anywhere in the South China Sea.”
The West Philippine Sea is part of the South China Sea within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The AFP earlier posted X (formerly Twitter) that included videos of the incident of the China Coast Guard training a water cannon at the Unaiza May 4, a ship that had previously been damaged by the same while on a similar mission.
Miller described China’s actions as “destabilizing to the region” and showed “clear disregard for international law.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
STRESSING THAT CHINA must abide by international law, the United States Embassy on Saturday expressed its support for the Philippines following another incident of China’s harassment of the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea.
Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros also urged the two “houses” of Congress to immediately pass the proposed higher budget for the agencies safeguarding the country’s security and sovereignty.
“The PRC’s actions are inconsistent with international law and follow a pattern of dangerous operational behavior in the South China Sea,” the US Embassy said in a statement.
On Friday, November 10, the Philippines lodged another diplomatic protest against China after the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) deployed water cannons during a resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal.
“This incident should push Congress to finally approve a higher budget for the intelligence funds for agencies that defend our territories. When our frontliners in the West Philippine Sea become stronger, so will our national security,” Hontiveros said.
The US Embassy also reiterated that the People’s Republic of China had no claim on Ayungin Shoal and must therefore respect all states’ freedom of navigation as guaranteed under international law.
(ai/mnm)
MANILA — Following a recent incident where Chinese vessels collided with Filipino ships engaged in a routine resupply mission to the detachment on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, the defense leaders of the Philippines and the United States have underscored their dedication to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between their nations.
In a conference call, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III addressed the October 22 incident, particularly highlighting the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) perilous and unlawful maneuvers that jeopardized the safety of Philippine vessels and crew.
Secretary Austin also expressed the United States’ unwavering support for the Philippines in the wake of the incident.
The MDT covers both countries’ public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces, including the Coast Guard, throughout the Pacific region, including the South China Sea.
Moreover, the two officials pledged to intensify efforts to enhance bilateral coordination, interoperability, and support for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Secretary Austin reiterated his firm commitment to the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Teodoro and Austin commended the existing military collaboration between Manila and Washington, including their recent joint naval exercise off the coast of Palawan, and they committed to expanding the scope and pace of US-Philippines engagements.
They also anticipate an in-person meeting in Jakarta during the forthcoming ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus.
It may be recalled that on Sunday, October 22, Chinese Coat Guard Chinese maritime militia vessels figured anew in a dangerous blocking incident that led to a collision with a Philippine resupply boat near Ayungin Shoal.
Meanwhile, on Friday the Philippine Fleet (PF) announced that its missile frigates, namely BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), alongside a multi-purpose attack craft armed with a Spike-ER (extended range surface-to-surface) missile, successfully engaged in a live-fire gunnery exercise on Thursday.
In an official statement, PF spokesperson Lt. Giovanni Badidles disclosed that these live-fire drills were conducted in the vicinity of Capones Island, San Antonio, Zambales, as part of “Exercise Pagbubuklod,” which is scheduled from October 23 to 27.
Badidles further emphasized that live-fire exercises play a vital role in boosting the confidence of sailors, enhancing their understanding, and refining the precise execution of these formidable capabilities.
He remarked, “The successful execution of these significant training activities substantially aligns with the overarching goals of ‘Exercise Pagbubuklod,’ which is to maximize the utilization of assets and equipment, train personnel, and develop tactics and procedures that ensure operational success.”
According to Badidles, this training initiative also seeks to validate the organizational structure, operational concepts, and published doctrines, all while addressing current and prospective scenarios within the operational areas.
‘Balanced manner’
In another presser Friday, Teodoro said the Philippines intends to maintain its activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to safeguard its sovereignty but “these operations will be carried out in a “balanced manner in anticipation of potential increased challenges from China.”
“We are carefully managing our ‘sovereignty operations’ in light of the possibility of more significant incidents that we wish to avoid. Therefore, we are meticulously planning our actions. However, it is evident that we cannot simply withdraw from our maritime territory, Teodoro said.
When asked about the potential for heightened tensions in the WPS, he stated that they are preparing for various scenarios.
Teodoro also stressed that any activities in the WPS, including upcoming resupply missions, will be executed with great care to prevent escalating tensions or conflicts and to protect the nation’s best interests. He made it clear that these efforts would not be undertaken recklessly to avoid any conflicts.
Furthermore, Teodoro reaffirmed the DND’s unwavering commitment to the country’s sovereignty, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., stating, “The President’s guidance remains unchanged, and we will remain resolute in upholding our sovereignty.”
(Amigo Ismael/mnm)
Climate change activists initiated a protest march on Friday from Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, and Mendiola in Manila to Liwasang Bonifacio, as they assailed the United States government for its alleged failure to provide enough “Climate Finance.”
The protest came in the wake of United States President Joe Biden’s recent meeting with leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum. Biden has accordingly acknowledged the concerns raised by these leaders regarding the devastating impact of climate change on their regions. He reassured them of the United States’ commitment to assisting them in addressing this pressing challenge.
Images show members of the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD) and various other groups proudly displaying their banners as they marched from Mendiola to Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.
(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
Image Courtesy of: Reuters
By Junex Doronio
IN THE FACE OF China’s “expansionist threat,” the Philippines, United States and Japan have jointly expressed their commitment to work for a free and open Indo-Pacific and ensure peaceful resolution of disputes.
This was declared by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Saturday in the Philippines) at the Second Trilateral Ministerial Meeting on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“Our alliance with Japan and the Philippines is a cornerstone of our Indo-Pacific strategy. Together, we are committed to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, ensuring the peaceful resolution of disputes, and upholding international law,” Blinken announced.
Hosted by the US, the meeting was attended by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo and Japan Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa.
Meanwhile, the Philippines is exploring legal options against China accusing it of destruction of coral reefs within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea.
But China flatly dismissed the allegation, saying it was an attempt to “create political drama”. (ai/mnm)