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Ahead of President-elect Donald Trump taking office, the Philippines, Japan, and the United States have pledged to continue strengthening their cooperation in response to China’s behaviour in the region.

Some shit you should know before you read: Over the last three years, China has become increasingly aggressive in asserting its territorial claims in the South China Sea, leading to frequent confrontations with the Philippines, including encounters between their coast guards. One notable incident in June 2024 saw Chinese personnel board a Philippine military vessel near the Second Thomas Shoal, an area within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Despite a provisional agreement to reduce tensions, Beijing continues to escalate its activities, challenging Philippine sovereignty. Similarly, Japan has faced rising pressure from China over the disputed Senkaku Islands, prompting concerns about regional stability.

What’s going on: In a readout provided by the White House, the United States vowed to continue its unwavering commitment to regional stability in the Indo-Pacific and reaffirmed its defense obligations to Japan and the Philippines. President Biden described the trilateral partnership as essential for countering “dangerous and unlawful behavior” in the South China Sea, pointing directly to China’s assertive activities in the region.  

Japan echoed similar sentiments, with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasizing the importance of opposing any attempts to change the status quo in disputed territories through force. Japan’s foreign ministry highlighted its shared interest with the Philippines and the United States in ensuring the stability of international law and the integrity of maritime boundaries. The nation also reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing defense cooperation, which includes joint military exercises and advanced agreements for closer operational coordination with the Philippines.

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed optimism about the continued deepening of the trilateral alliance, particularly as the region faces mounting challenges. Marcos praised the historic progress made in diplomatic and security ties, specifically mentioning the joint efforts to address China’s “aggressive and coercive activities” in the South China Sea.

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This all comes as China has repeatedly criticized the United States for what it perceives as escalating Indo-Pacific tensions by deploying military personnel and advanced missile systems. Beijing has accused Washington of “militarizing the region” by increasing its naval presence, conducting joint military exercises with allies like Japan and the Philippines, and positioning missile defense systems in strategic areas. Chinese officials have argued that these actions destabilize the region and provoke unnecessary confrontations, particularly in contested areas like the South China Sea. Additionally, China has expressed its disapproval of the U.S.’s growing support for Taiwan and its enhanced security partnerships with regional allies, claiming such moves are part of a broader strategy to contain China’s rise and undermine its sovereignty

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