Leaders from Japan, the Philippines, and the United States have expressed "serious concern" over China's actions in the disputed South China Sea. This concern was voiced during a trilateral summit held in Washington, DC, marking the first-ever meeting between the three countries.
The joint statement issued at the end of the summit highlighted the "dangerous and aggressive behavior" exhibited by the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the South China Sea. This behavior includes the use of Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels, which the leaders condemned as coercive.
The summit emphasized the importance of abiding by international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and respecting the sovereign rights of states within their exclusive economic zones (EEZ). China's extensive claims in the South China Sea, as delineated by its nine-dash line, were also rejected.
Recent confrontations, such as the one near Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin), were cited as examples of China's provocative actions. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to uphold maritime security and stability in the region.
The United States, as a signatory to a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines, reiterated its support for its ally and emphasized its commitment to protect the Philippines in case of any attack in the South China Sea. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underscored the "ironclad" nature of this commitment during discussions with diplomats.
The summit aimed to enhance coordination between the US and its allies in addressing challenges posed by China's assertiveness in the South China Sea. The Philippines, in particular, expressed hope for closer coordination with the US to counter Chinese harassment and protect its sovereign rights within its EEZ.
China responded to the summit by summoning Japanese and Philippine diplomats to express its dissatisfaction with the negative comments made during the meeting. The diplomatic tensions reflect the ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the region concerning maritime disputes and security concerns.
