8-4-2024 (WASHINGTON) Leaders from Japan and the Philippines are set to convene in Washington this week for a Trilateral Summit, aiming to strengthen defense ties in the wake of joint military exercises with Australia in the South China Sea.

The discussions are poised to unveil a significant enhancement in US defense relations with Japan, alongside potential joint coast guard patrols with Manila in areas contested by China. Other topics on the agenda include securing access to crucial supplies like semiconductors and rare metals, addressing North Korea’s growing aggression, and concerns over Japan’s proposed acquisition of US Steel, which President Joe Biden opposes.

The White House has stated that the talks will advance a trilateral partnership based on historical friendship, robust economic relations, and a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The summit commences on Wednesday, with Fumio Kishida becoming Japan’s first prime minister since Shinzo Abe in 2015 to receive full honors at the White House. This includes a gala dinner hosted by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Both leaders will also hold a joint news conference in the Rose Garden.

On Thursday, Kishida will address both houses of Congress before engaging in the first trilateral summit with President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines and President Biden.

These discussions follow Biden’s recent engagements with Asian-Pacific allies, including South Korea and Japan, at Camp David in August. Biden has also sought to manage tensions with China, holding talks with President Xi Jinping and meeting in San Francisco in November.

Japan, traditionally pacifist, has undergone significant military changes in recent years, including plans to increase defense spending, procure US Tomahawk missiles, and ease rules on weapon exports. Additionally, discussions are underway with the Philippines regarding troop deployments on each other’s soil.

The joint military exercises with the US, Japan, the Philippines, and Australia aim to ensure freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, amidst China’s growing assertiveness in the region.

However, potential hurdles loom over the summit, including Biden’s opposition to Japan’s proposed acquisition of US Steel and the prospect of Donald Trump’s return to the White House in the upcoming US elections.

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