22-3-2024 (TOKYO) US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Okano Masataka, and Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro convened in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday ahead of an upcoming three-way Summit among the leaders of their respective nations in April.
According to a statement from US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller, the meeting follows a series of high-level engagements over the past year aimed at strengthening trilateral cooperation among the United States, Japan, and the Philippines.
Miller highlighted that during the gathering, Campbell, Okano, and Lazaro reaffirmed their joint commitment to upholding peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, including the South China Sea and East China Sea.
“The officials also delved into discussions regarding trilateral cooperation in various areas such as economic security and resilience, defence and security, the international law of the sea including freedom of navigation, and fostering people-to-people connections,” he added.
President Joe Biden is scheduled to host the inaugural three-way summit with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House on April 11.
“At the summit, the leaders are anticipated to advance a trilateral partnership rooted in deep historical friendships, thriving economic relations, unwavering commitment to shared democratic principles, and a joint vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Additionally, the leaders will reaffirm the robust alliances between the three nations,” Miller stated.
He further elaborated, “The trio will also explore trilateral collaboration to promote inclusive economic growth and emerging technologies, propel clean energy supply chains and climate cooperation, and enhance peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and globally.”
Amid China’s increasing assertiveness, particularly regarding its claims over almost the entirety of the South China Sea, the United States has consistently advocated for a “free” Asia-Pacific region.
Tensions have escalated between the Philippines and Beijing, with clashes occurring between ships near disputed reefs.
In November, Japan and the Philippines announced plans to initiate negotiations for a defence pact allowing them to deploy troops on each other’s territories. This decision was announced by Marcos and Kishida following talks in Manila, aiming to counter China’s escalating military pressure.
Following the three-way summit, Biden will engage in a separate bilateral meeting with Marcos, as confirmed by the White House.
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