Japan, the United States and the Philippines are jointly interested in maintaining a “free and open” international order – this was confirmed by the heads of national security affairs of the governments of the three countries at their meeting in Tokyo.
Host Takeo Akiba, Jake Sullivan of the United States, and Eduardo Ano of the Philippines agreed to deepen trilateral cooperation for the maintenance and promotion of a free and open international order. In this context, they emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
The representatives of the three countries affirmed that they consider a free and open maritime system characterized by freedom of navigation and a free, just and equitable economic system as indispensable.
With special consideration when they “intend to change the status quo by unilateral violent or coercive attempts,” the statement released after the hearing read.
They indicated that the United States is committed to bilateral treaties to ensure the security of its allies, and accordingly, the three countries will work together to enhance their response capabilities.
Officials in Washington, Tokyo and Manila also agreed to seek cooperation on humanitarian aid, disaster relief and economic security, with more trilateral talks to be held in the coming months.
The defense ministers of Japan, the United States, the Philippines and Australia have already agreed to enhance their security cooperation during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, a security meeting held at the beginning of June.
