The inaugural United States-Japan-Philippines Maritime Dialogue convened in Tokyo, Japan, marking a significant step in strengthening trilateral cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific. This dialogue follows the commitment made during the first trilateral Leaders’ Summit at the White House in April 2024, where leaders pledged enhanced collaboration across sectors, particularly maritime security.
U.S. Delegation:
The U.S. delegation included:
- Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs: Daniel J. Kritenbrink
- National Security Council Senior Director for East Asia and Oceania: Mira Rapp-Hooper
- Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia: Laura Updegrove
- Deputy Commander, U.S. Forces Japan: Major General George Rowell
- U.S. Coast Guard Director of International Affairs and Foreign Policy Advisor: Holly Haverstick
Key Discussion Points:
- Regional Maritime Challenges:
- The participants addressed concerns regarding the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) actions in the South China Sea, including:
- Blocking and harassment of Philippine vessels operating within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
- Threats to the freedoms of navigation and overflight for all nations.
- The three countries underscored the importance of upholding international law, particularly as reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention.
- The participants addressed concerns regarding the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) actions in the South China Sea, including:
- Strengthening Trilateral Cooperation:
- Opportunities for enhanced collaboration included:
- Maritime cooperative activities.
- Combined training exercises.
- Maritime law enforcement.
- Capacity building for coast guards.
- Participants discussed expanding partnerships with other regional stakeholders to bolster collective maritime security.
- Opportunities for enhanced collaboration included:
Significance:
This trilateral dialogue reflects the deepening partnership among the United States, Japan, and the Philippines in addressing regional challenges, particularly those posed by assertive behaviors in the South China Sea. By reinforcing their commitment to international law and enhancing cooperative measures, the three nations aim to ensure stability and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.