Peace, security top Tri-Summit agenda

US, Japan, PH to assure freedom of navigation in WPS

President Marcos on Wednesday flew to the United States to participate in a landmark trilateral meeting with the United States and Japan, which would also iron out the agreement between the three nations regarding peace and security in the West Philippine Sea.

“This is essentially an agreement between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines on cooperation in terms of maintaining security and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. That is the essence of it,” the President told reporters before leaving for Washington from the Villamor Air Base at 2:56 p.m. yesterday.

The agreement would be ironed out at the White House, where US President Joe Biden will welcome Mr. Marcos and PM Kishida.

He emphasized ongoing discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, US Vice President Harris in Jakarta last September, and trilateral talks among foreign ministers and national security advisers last year.

President Marcos said he would prioritize enhancing economic ties among the Philippines, Japan, and the US to foster resilience and security.

“I intend to explore ways of advancing cooperation, especially in the areas of critical infrastructure, semiconductors, digitalization and cybersecurity, critical minerals, renewable energy, as well as defense and maritime cooperation,” Mr. Marcos said.

In addition to the trilateral discussions, President Marcos is slated to hold a bilateral meeting with President Biden, where discussions will center on further strengthening the alliance between the Philippines and the United States.

Mr. Marcos will also engage with business leaders in the United States, extending invitations for investment in the Philippines.

The top White House advisor for the Indo-Pacific Strategy said the trilateral partnership is a perfect representation of three maritime democracies who are aligned with a shared vision.

Dr. Mira Rapp-Hooper, Special Assistant and Senior Director for East Asia and Oceania, clarified that the summit is not about China but about the three countries’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

“I’m not going to opine too much on China’s portrayal or sort of deign to project how Beijing will portray the summit. What I will say is what we’ve said throughout the Biden administration, which is that the US-Indo-Pacific Strategy and our groupings of alliances and partnerships are not about being against anyone or anything,” Rapp-Hooper said.

“They’re about what we’re for and that’s very clear in our Indo-Pacific Strategy. We make clear that we stand together for a free and open Indo-Pacific that is prosperous, resilient, and secure, and we welcome into that approach all comers who share in that vision,” she added.

On Sunday, the three countries, along with Australia, conducted a quad naval exercise in the West Philippine Sea, part of the vast South China Sea that China claims entirely.

Speaker Martin Romualdez welcomed the forthcoming historic trilateral summit, saying this augurs for immense economic benefits.

He said the first-ever meeting of the three leaders in Washington D.C. on April 11 signifies a pivotal step toward deepening economic ties among the three nations, enhancing peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and bolstering cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.

“Economic cooperation lies at the heart of this trilateral meeting, with discussions aimed at enhancing trade, investment, and development opportunities among our nations. Our country’s deeper economic integration with the United States and Japan will undoubtedly benefit our people in terms of jobs and livelihood opportunities and contribute to regional prosperity,” Romualdez said.

He said the meeting also underscores the crucial role of the Philippines as a partner of superpowers US and Japan in their shared commitment to fostering regional stability and prosperity.

“As nations with strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific, our collaboration is essential in addressing common challenges and advancing mutual interests,” the Speaker said.

Other leaders of the House of Representatives also expressed optimism on the economic benefits the Philippines stand to reap from the trilateral summit.

“We expect the three leaders to agree on expanded economic cooperation among their nations. The economic advantages this summit could produce for us Filipinos are potentially enormous,” Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said.

Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe said trade cooperation would most likely be enhanced because of the three leaders’ discussions. “We have to remember that the US and Japan are among our country’s biggest trading partners,” he said.

For his part, Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David Suarez said the Philippines also expects increased military and financial help from the US and Japan.

“These two allies of ours are our largest and most generous sources of official development assistance,” he said.

Gonzales, Dalipe and Suarez pointed out that aside from economic gains, the Philippines and the Indo-Pacific region in general could expect peace dividends from the trilateral summit.

“Presidents Biden and Marcos and Prime Minister Kishida will surely discuss peace and stability in the region, particularly in the West Philippine Sea,” they said, noting that the South China Sea is a vital world trade route.

“The international community should ensure freedom of navigation and overflight there. Peace in this area will contribute to the economic development of the region,” they said.

Deputy Majority Leader and PBA Party-list Rep. Margarita Nograles expressed confidence the trilateral meeting would serve as a catalyst for fostering enhanced cooperation and prosperity, ultimately benefiting the citizens of the participating nations.

Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong highlighted the importance of dialogue and collaboration in addressing regional challenges.

Assistant Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega emphasized the potential of the trilateral summit to strengthen economic partnerships and enhance regional security.

Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales Rep. Jefferson Khonghun shared his optimism for the results of the summit.

“This summit represents a crucial step towards deepening our ties and fostering greater understanding and cooperation among our citizens,” he added.

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