The upcoming three-way summit between US President Joe Biden, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida marks a significant step in the United States’ efforts to strengthen its alliances in the Asia-Pacific region. With China’s assertive behavior and increasing influence in the region, the Biden administration is keen on reaffirming its commitment to its regional partners and maintaining a stable balance of power.
The choice of President Marcos Jr. as one of the participants in this summit is noteworthy. Since assuming office, Marcos Jr. has been vocal about his intention to strengthen ties with the United States and other democratic nations. His presence in this high-level meeting signifies the importance of the Philippines as a key ally in the region and highlights the shared interests and values between the two countries.
Meanwhile, the inclusion of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in this summit underscores the deepening strategic partnership between the United States and Japan. As longstanding allies, the two countries have been working closely together to address common challenges such as regional security, economic cooperation, and climate change. This summit provides an opportunity for both leaders to discuss and coordinate their efforts in these areas, further solidifying their alliance.
One of the key objectives of this three-way summit is to discuss and develop a coordinated approach to address China’s assertiveness and its impact on regional stability. With China’s increasing military capabilities, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and concerns over human rights issues, the United States, the Philippines, and Japan share a common interest in upholding international norms and ensuring a rules-based order in the region.
During the summit, President Biden is expected to emphasize the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, highlighting the United States’ commitment to its allies and partners. The discussions will likely touch upon issues such as maritime security, trade, infrastructure development, and cooperation in areas such as technology and healthcare.
Furthermore, the summit will serve as a platform for President Biden to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to its treaty obligations, including the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines and the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security with Japan. These longstanding agreements form the foundation of the security architecture in the region and provide a framework for cooperation in addressing common challenges.
Overall, the three-way summit between President Biden, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida represents a significant diplomatic endeavor aimed at strengthening alliances, promoting regional stability, and addressing shared challenges. As the United States seeks to navigate the complex dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region, such high-level engagements play a crucial role in fostering cooperation and ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for all nations involved.
President Marcos expressed his anticipation for the upcoming visit to Washington, D.C., where he will meet with President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida. He sees this as an opportunity for the Philippines to further strengthen its already strong foundation with these two allies. Marcos emphasized the importance the country places on its ties with the United States, stating that it is something they attach great importance to.
During his previous visits to the United States, President Marcos has worked tirelessly to enhance bilateral relations and explore areas of mutual cooperation. His first visit in June focused on economic partnerships, with discussions on trade and investment opportunities. The visit resulted in the signing of several agreements that aimed to boost economic growth and create more job opportunities for both countries.
In his second visit in September, President Marcos focused on security cooperation, particularly in the areas of counterterrorism and maritime security. The Philippines has been actively combating terrorism within its borders, and the visit provided an opportunity to exchange best practices and enhance intelligence sharing between the two nations.
President Marcos’ third visit in November was centered around the APEC summit, where leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region gathered to discuss regional economic integration and sustainable development. The Philippines, as the host country, played a crucial role in shaping the agenda and promoting inclusive growth.
Now, as he prepares for his fourth visit to the United States, President Marcos aims to build upon the progress made in previous visits and explore new avenues for collaboration. The discussions with President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida will cover a wide range of issues, including climate change, public health, and regional security.
One key area of focus will be the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Philippines has been grappling with the challenges posed by the virus, and President Marcos hopes to seek support and expertise from the United States in terms of vaccine distribution, healthcare infrastructure, and economic recovery.
Additionally, the visit will provide an opportunity to strengthen defense ties between the two countries. The Philippines has been facing increasing challenges in the South China Sea, with territorial disputes and maritime security concerns. President Marcos will seek reassurances from the United States regarding its commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in maintaining regional stability.
Overall, President Marcos sees this visit as a crucial step in deepening the Philippines’ relationship with the United States. By engaging in meaningful discussions and exploring areas of mutual interest, he hopes to foster stronger ties that will benefit both countries and contribute to regional peace and prosperity.
Building a trilateral partnership between the United States, the Philippines, and Japan is a strategic move that aims to address the complex geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The meeting between President Biden, President Marcos, and Prime Minister Kishida at the White House on April 11 is just one step in a larger effort to strengthen ties and foster collaboration among these key allies.
At the heart of this trilateral partnership is a recognition of the deep historical ties of friendship that exist between the three countries. The United States has long been a staunch ally of both the Philippines and Japan, and this shared history provides a solid foundation upon which to build a stronger alliance. By leveraging their historical connections, the leaders hope to forge a united front in addressing the various issues that threaten peace and stability in the region.
One of the key areas of focus for this trilateral partnership is the South China Sea, where tensions have been escalating between the Philippines and China. The disputed maritime claims in this region have been a source of contention for years, and the leaders recognize the need for a coordinated approach to address this issue. By working together, they aim to send a strong message to China that their claims must be based on international law and respect for the rights of other nations.
In addition to the South China Sea, the leaders will also discuss a wide range of other topics during their meeting. These include trilateral cooperation to promote inclusive economic growth, which will involve exploring opportunities for trade and investment between the three countries. They will also focus on emerging technologies, recognizing the importance of staying at the forefront of innovation in an increasingly interconnected world.
Clean energy supply chains and climate cooperation will also be on the agenda, as the leaders recognize the urgent need to address the pressing issue of climate change. By working together, they can pool their resources and expertise to develop sustainable solutions and reduce their carbon footprints. This will not only benefit the Indo-Pacific region but also contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
Lastly, the leaders will discuss peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and around the world. They understand the importance of maintaining a stable and secure environment in order to foster economic growth and prosperity. By collaborating on security issues, such as counterterrorism and maritime security, they can ensure the safety and well-being of their citizens and contribute to regional stability.
Overall, the trilateral partnership between the United States, the Philippines, and Japan represents a significant step forward in addressing the complex challenges of the Indo-Pacific region. By leveraging their historical ties of friendship and working together on various issues, these three countries can make a positive impact on the region and contribute to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Reaffirming the Ironclad Alliance
Following the trilateral summit, President Biden will hold a separate meeting with President Marcos to reaffirm the ironclad alliance between the United States and the Philippines. This meeting underscores the commitment of both countries to their longstanding partnership.
Prime Minister Kishida will be at the White House for a state visit on the day before the trilateral summit, which had already been announced. Japan sees these talks as an opportunity to strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. Chief Government Spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation with like-minded countries like the Philippines in various areas to maintain peace and prosperity in the region.
During their meeting, President Biden and President Marcos will discuss a wide range of issues, including defense cooperation, economic ties, and regional security. They will emphasize the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in light of the growing challenges posed by China’s assertiveness.
The United States and the Philippines have a long history of cooperation in the defense sector. The Mutual Defense Treaty, signed in 1951, commits both countries to come to each other’s aid in the event of an armed attack. This treaty has served as the cornerstone of the ironclad alliance between the two nations and has been crucial in maintaining peace and security in the region.
Economically, the United States is one of the Philippines’ largest trading partners and investors. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $22 billion in 2020, with the United States being the Philippines’ third-largest export market. President Biden and President Marcos will discuss ways to further enhance economic cooperation and explore opportunities for increased trade and investment.
Regional security will also be high on the agenda. Both leaders recognize the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific, where countries can exercise their rights and uphold the principles of international law. They will discuss ways to address common challenges such as maritime disputes, terrorism, and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
The meeting between President Biden and President Marcos will not only reaffirm the ironclad alliance between the United States and the Philippines but also demonstrate the strong commitment of both countries to upholding peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. It will serve as a testament to the enduring partnership between the two nations and their shared values and interests.
As part of its efforts to counter China’s aggressiveness, the United States is also actively engaging in multilateral initiatives in the region. One such initiative is the Quad, a strategic forum comprising the United States, Japan, Australia, and India. The Quad has gained momentum in recent years and has emerged as a key platform for coordinating policies and actions to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The Quad countries have been enhancing their cooperation in various areas, including maritime security, infrastructure development, and cybersecurity. For example, they have conducted joint military exercises and naval patrols to demonstrate their commitment to upholding the rules-based international order. Additionally, the Quad has initiated projects to promote connectivity and economic development in the region, providing alternatives to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Furthermore, the United States is actively supporting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a crucial regional institution. ASEAN plays a central role in fostering dialogue and cooperation among its member states, and the United States recognizes its importance in maintaining stability and promoting economic integration in Southeast Asia. Through initiatives like the ASEAN-U.S. Strategic Partnership and the Lower Mekong Initiative, the United States is working closely with ASEAN countries to address regional challenges and strengthen their capacity to counter China’s assertiveness.
In addition to diplomatic efforts, the United States is also bolstering its military presence in the region. The U.S. Navy regularly conducts freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in the South China Sea to challenge China’s excessive maritime claims and assert its commitment to freedom of navigation. These operations, which involve sailing near disputed islands and reefs claimed by China, send a clear message that the United States will not tolerate any attempts to restrict access to international waters.
Moreover, the United States is providing military assistance and training to its regional partners to enhance their defense capabilities. This includes support for the modernization of their armed forces, joint military exercises, and intelligence sharing. By strengthening the military capabilities of its allies and partners, the United States aims to deter potential aggression from China and maintain a balance of power in the region.
Overall, the United States is pursuing a comprehensive approach to counter China’s aggressiveness in the Indo-Pacific. Through diplomatic engagement, multilateral initiatives, military presence, and support for regional partners, the United States seeks to uphold regional stability, protect shared interests, and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Building Alliances through Summits
President Biden has increasingly turned to the three-way summit format to strengthen US alliances. In August, he hosted Prime Minister Kishida and South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol at his Camp David presidential retreat. This summit aimed to bring the two US allies closer together after years of tensions.
In November, President Biden held a landmark summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in California. These summits serve as opportunities for leaders to engage in direct dialogue and address key issues affecting the region.
As tensions continue to rise in the Indo-Pacific, the upcoming three-way summit between President Biden, President Marcos, and Prime Minister Kishida holds great significance. It not only reinforces the importance of strong alliances in maintaining regional stability but also highlights the shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
During the summit, President Biden plans to address various pressing issues, including maritime security, trade, and climate change. The leaders will engage in constructive discussions to find common ground and develop strategies that promote peace and prosperity in the region. This summit also presents an opportunity for President Biden to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to its allies and demonstrate its willingness to work collaboratively towards shared goals.
Furthermore, the three-way summit will provide a platform for President Biden, President Marcos, and Prime Minister Kishida to explore potential areas of cooperation and strengthen existing partnerships. They will discuss ways to enhance economic ties, promote technological innovation, and address emerging challenges such as cybersecurity and public health.
Moreover, the summit will serve as a forum for the leaders to address regional security concerns and discuss measures to ensure a stable and peaceful Indo-Pacific. They will explore avenues for enhancing defense cooperation, including joint military exercises and information sharing, to deter common threats and maintain regional stability.
By convening these three-way summits, President Biden aims to foster a sense of unity and collaboration among US allies in the Indo-Pacific region. He recognizes the importance of building strong alliances to effectively address the complex challenges of the 21st century. Through these summits, President Biden seeks to demonstrate US leadership and commitment to upholding a rules-based international order, where nations can peacefully coexist and thrive.
Source: The Manila Times