Philippine President Suggests Trilateral Defense Pact with US and Japan
Speaking to Kyodo News on 10 February, President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that he is looking into establishing a trilateral defense pact with the US and Japan. Marcos said in an interview:
“I think [its] just part of the continuing process of strengthening our alliances in this rather confusing, and I dare say dangerous situations, that we have. […] I’m not talking only about the South China Sea. I’m not only talking about the Indo-Pacific region. But, of course, there is a conflict still ongoing in Ukraine and the rather disturbing effects that it has all around the world.”
However, the proposal is still at an early stage; Marcos stressed that the details are not yet there and that it will take a while before the idea takes a more concrete shape, noting:
“We have to talk to the Americans also to see what roles are really going to be played should there be a tripartite agreement. […] Maybe sometime down the road, we will sit down with our Japanese counterparts and American counterparts and we’ll see what is it really that they want.”
Japan and the United States have not publicly commented on Marcos’ proposal. However, both American and Japanese officials have continued to publicly encourage strengthened cooperation between the three partners.
Marcos was in Tokyo last week in order to meet with his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida. According to an official release by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two leaders primarily discussed economic and security issues. In addition to issues of humanitarian aid, nuclear non-proliferation and the threat of North Korea, a statement said:
“The two leaders concurred to advance consideration to promote cooperation in defense equipment and technology as well as trilateral cooperation among Japan, the United States and the Philippines. The two leaders also shared the view to further advance cooperation in economic security, cyber security and among others.”
Since taking office, Marcos has distinguished himself from his predecessor by taking a stronger stance against China and rekindling the traditional alliance with the US which had withered under the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte. Earlier this month, the US concluded a new agreement with the Philippines which will expand the number of basing sites available to the Americans in the Philippines.