MANILA. Japan and the Philippines plan to emphasize the importance of U.S. engagement in Asia to President-elect Donald Trump, citing escalating security concerns in the region. Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya stressed the need for the U.S. to remain actively involved in upholding the rule of law, particularly in addressing territorial disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea.
“We will approach the next U.S. administration to convey that constructive commitment of the United States in this region is important also for the United States itself,” Iwaya said during a joint press conference with Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo in Manila on Wednesday.
The U.S., Japan, and the Philippines have forged closer ties under outgoing President Joe Biden to address China’s assertive moves in disputed waters. With Trump’s “America First” policy raising uncertainties, both nations aim to ensure continued U.S. support.
Iwaya reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to bilateral and trilateral cooperation with the Philippines and the U.S., describing the region’s strategic environment as “increasingly severe.” Japan’s foreign minister is set to attend Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration to underline the importance of their alliance.
Recent confrontations between Chinese and Philippine coast guards in the South China Sea have heightened fears of escalation. A large Chinese coast guard vessel was reported patrolling the disputed Scarborough Shoal and approaching within 77 nautical miles of the Philippines’ northwestern coast.
“The issue over the South China Sea is a legitimate concern for the international community because it directly links to the regional peace and stability,” Iwaya said. He reiterated Japan’s opposition to any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force and called for the easing of tensions.
Jonathan Malaya, assistant director-general of the Philippine National Security Council, described China’s actions as “pushing us to the wall,” warning that “all options are on the table,” including the possibility of pursuing new international legal actions.
Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo announced plans to raise the issue during a scheduled meeting with Chinese diplomats in Xiamen. The talks, part of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism, aim to manage the longstanding territorial disputes and prevent further escalation.
China continues to assert its sovereignty over the South China Sea, claiming its coast guard patrols are “lawful and justified.” Beijing accuses the Philippines and other claimants, including Vietnam and Malaysia, of encroaching on what it deems “undisputed” Chinese territory.
As the region grapples with rising tensions, Japan and the Philippines hope to secure the U.S.’s continued involvement, viewing it as crucial to maintaining peace and stability in Asia.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
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- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
