Honolulu Defense Chiefs Vow to Deepen Cooperation
Defense chiefs from the United States, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines gathered in Honolulu for their second-ever joint meeting, with a focus on deepening their cooperation amidst concerns about China’s operations in the South China Sea. This meeting follows the four countries’ first joint naval exercise in the region, where Beijing’s territorial disputes with Southeast Asian nations have caused alarm due to its recent assertiveness in the waters.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin highlighted the importance of the joint drills, stating that they strengthen the ability of the nations to work together, build bonds among their forces, and underscore their shared commitment to international law in the waterway. The defense chiefs also discussed increasing the tempo of their defense exercises, sending a significant message to the region and the world about their commitment to the global rules-based order.
It is worth noting that the Philippines’ Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. emphasized that invoking the mutual defense treaty between the Philippines and the US would be a political decision and would only be used as a last resort. He emphasized the need to assert their rights while safeguarding the safety of the Philippines’ armed forces.
US Alliances in the Indo-Pacific
The United States has longstanding defense treaties with Australia, Japan, and the Philippines, which serve as the foundation for their cooperation in the region. While the US does not claim any territory in the South China Sea, it has deployed navy ships and fighter jets to conduct freedom of navigation operations, challenging China’s expansive claims in the waterway. The US views the freedom of navigation and overflight in the region as essential to its national interest.
It is important to note that China is not the only country with overlapping claims in the South China Sea. Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei also have territorial disputes in the resource-rich sea. China has refused to recognize a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated its expansive claims on historical grounds. This refusal, coupled with skirmishes between China and the Philippines, has sparked fears of a larger conflict that could potentially involve the United States.
The US Commitment to the Philippines
The United States has repeatedly emphasized its obligation to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Filipino forces, ships, or aircraft come under armed attack, including in the South China Sea. This commitment is significant, as it underscores the US’s commitment to maintaining stability and security in the region.
President Joe Biden’s administration has expressed its intention to build a “lattice work of alliances” in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting the importance of strengthening partnerships in the face of regional challenges. However, Beijing has accused the US of using these alliances to contain China and threaten regional stability.
The Philippines’ Diplomatic Approach
While tensions between China and the Philippines have escalated in recent years, the Philippines has consistently emphasized its commitment to exploring diplomatic solutions to the West Philippine Sea issue. Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong clarified that the Philippines is not seeking to pick a fight with China but rather seeks peaceful resolutions to the territorial disputes.
Adiong urged Filipinos to continue supporting President Ferdinand Duterte’s diplomatic efforts and emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in the region. The Philippines recognizes the complexities of the situation and the need for diplomatic dialogue to address the ongoing disputes.
In conclusion, the joint meeting of defense chiefs in Honolulu highlights the commitment of the United States, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines to deepen their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The discussions focused on strengthening alliances, increasing defense exercises, and upholding international law in the South China Sea. While tensions with China persist, all parties involved recognize the importance of diplomacy and peaceful resolutions to maintain stability in the region.
Source: The Manila Times