President Joe Biden reaffirms U.S. support, pledging to strengthen security and military collaboration in response to Chinese activities in the South China Sea
President Joe Biden reiterated the United States’ commitment to fortifying maritime and security relationships with Japan and the Philippines during a pivotal White House meeting, aiming to stabilize regional tensions sparked by China’s assertive manoeuvres in contested waters. Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., marking the first trilateral summit of its kind, to discuss the escalating situation.
“The United States defence commitments to Japan and to the Philippines are ironclad,” Biden stated firmly on Thursday. He highlighted the gravity of any potential attacks on Philippine forces in the South China Sea, confirming that such actions would trigger their mutual defence treaty.
Under President Marcos’ administration, the Philippines has taken a more robust approach against the surge of Chinese patrols in the area, especially near the Second Thomas Shoal. This site has become a hotspot due to a Philippine World War II-era ship stationed there, which Chinese vessels have actively tried to blockade.
In response to recent provocations, including an incident where Chinese Coast Guard ships fired water cannons at a civilian Filipino boat, the leaders concurred on amplifying their military drills. Plans include joint patrols by Philippine and Japanese Coast Guard members aboard a U.S. Coast Guard vessel throughout the Indo-Pacific and intensifying training exercises at sea.
Prime Minister Kishida emphasized the importance of a collective international effort to uphold a free and open order based on rule of law, amidst the global crisis scenarios currently unfolding. The summit followed closely on bilateral talks and a joint statement that mentioned China multiple times, signalling a united front.
Amidst these discussions, Biden and Kishida also covered broader strategic topics, such as technological cooperation, clean energy initiatives, and the reinforcement of semiconductor and telecommunications supply chains. These discussions are part of a wider strategy to provide viable alternatives to Chinese infrastructural investments in the developing world, particularly through initiatives like China’s Belt and Road.
In his Congressional address, Kishida pointed out the challenges of economic coercion and the risks associated with debt-trap diplomacy, implicitly criticizing Chinese tactics. He also hinted at future U.S.-Japan collaborations in emerging technological fields, including quantum computing.
The meetings underscore the strategic importance of the Philippines in U.S. efforts to enhance its role in Southeast Asia, with Marcos noting opportunities to boost economic resilience and address climate challenges during his discussions in Washington.
As the U.S. and the Philippines explore potential collaborations in developing Manila’s critical minerals sector, like nickel, these discussions occur against a backdrop of significant Chinese involvement in the Philippine mining industry. The ongoing dynamics highlight a critical juncture for U.S. foreign policy in the region, as it seeks to balance economic interests with security imperatives.
