Biden Pledges Support for Japan, Philippines Amid China's Alarming Moves, Strengthening Alliances

Biden Strengthening Alliances with Japan: To reassure allies concerned about China's increasing assertiveness, Biden promised to "deepen maritime and security ties" with Japan and the Philippines.

Both Kishida and Marcos are protected by an ironclad U.S. defense commitment, according to Biden.

The first trilateral summit was hosted by the White House.

“Any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels or armed forces in the South China Sea would invoke our mutual defense treaty,” Biden added.

Biden reaffirms US pledges to come to the defense of Japan and the Philippines as they're confronted by China https://t.co/9IRTthQQPD

— Bloomberg (@business) April 11, 2024

Since both nations have competing maritime claims in the South China Sea, the Philippines became more assertive under Marcos.

The Philippines maintains a grounded World War II-era ship on the Second Thomas Shoal, which has been the subject of tensions for years. The Chinese vessels have used water cannons to block Philippine naval missions rotating and replenishing troops.

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An official statement released Thursday evening said the leaders agreed to increase military exercises, including patrolling aboard a US Coast Guard vessel in the Indo-Pacific by Philippine and Japanese Coast Guard members. More sea training exercises are also planned by the nations.

An official statement released Thursday evening said the leaders agreed to increase military exercises, including patrolling aboard a US Coast Guard vessel in the Indo-Pacific by Philippine and Japanese Coast Guard members. More sea training exercises are also planned by the nations.

As a result of a series of incidents, including Chinese coast guard ships shooting water cannons at a civilian Filipino boat last month, maritime security topped the summit agenda. The three countries joined Australia for military drills in the South China Sea on Sunday.

“As the world faces a complex crisis, it is important that we work in a multi-layered effort with like-minded countries and allies to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law," Kishida said.

As part of a broader US strategy, Biden and Kishida have sought to demonstrate unity with the Philippines despite growing concerns over China's military and economic influence.

A joint statement was issued following Biden's meeting with Kishida at the White House on Wednesday.

According to senior administration officials who briefed reporters Wednesday before the official announcements, China has increased its use of coercive tactics.

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A senior administration official said earlier this week that Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the sea confrontations last week and reiterated their respective positions, and the Chinese understand that Thursday's meeting is keyed to those recent incidents.

In addition to technology, clean energy, securing semiconductor supply chains, and telecommunications, Biden said the leaders would discuss cooperation.

The US and its allies are offering an alternative to Chinese investments in developing countries through Xi's Belt and Road Initiative by committing to such wide-ranging infrastructure.

The Marcos administration is reworking its ties with China, so there's a chance for US security cooperation and investment.

Earlier Thursday, Kishida pointed out "growing cases" of economic coercion and debt-trap diplomacy.

He also said US-Japanese collaboration on emerging technologies would continue.

A senior administration official said earlier this week that the US is in early stages of talks with Manila about developing its critical minerals industry, including nickel deposits, but no official announcement has yet been made. Mining in the Philippines is dominated by Chinese companies.

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