In a meeting that brought together top officials from the United States, Japan, and the Philippines, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed his countries’ commitment to trilateral cooperation in advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific.
During the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings held on July 10, 2025, at the Office of the Spokesperson, Secretary Rubio met with Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi and Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro. The meeting marked a significant step forward in strengthening trilateral ties between the three nations, with a focus on maritime security, economic cooperation, and cyber security.
The Secretaries and Foreign Ministers discussed ways to enhance cooperation on maritime security, including through Maritime Cooperative Activities, trilateral military exercises, and capacity building and assistance for the Philippine Coast Guard. They also agreed to coordinate efforts to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, with an emphasis on unlocking private sector investment in high-impact infrastructure projects in the Luzon Economic Corridor.
Secretary Rubio highlighted the Philippines’ significant wealth in critical minerals, emphasizing the need to diversify critical mineral supply chains. The officials proposed advancing trilateral cooperation in areas such as cyber security, energy (including civil nuclear energy), and investments in reliable and secure telecommunications networks.
To further advance their shared goals, the Secretaries agreed to hold sectoral trilateral discussions at the senior officials’ level in coming months. These discussions will focus on strengthening peace and security in the region, while promoting economic growth and cooperation.
The meeting was seen as a positive step forward for trilateral relations between the US, Japan, and the Philippines, which are key players in the Indo-Pacific region. By working together to address common challenges and promote shared interests, the three nations can help build a more stable and prosperous future for the region.
Key Takeaways from the Meeting
• The US, Japan, and the Philippines agreed to enhance trilateral cooperation on maritime security, including through Maritime Cooperative Activities and capacity building for the Philippine Coast Guard.
• The Secretaries emphasized the need to grow economic partnership in tandem with trilateral security ties, including by unlocking private sector investment in high-impact infrastructure projects.
• The officials proposed advancing trilateral cooperation in areas such as cyber security, energy (including civil nuclear energy), and investments in reliable and secure telecommunications networks.
• A series of sectoral trilateral discussions will be held at the senior officials’ level to advance shared goals for peace and security in the region.
Tags: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Indo-Pacific, Japan, Office of the Spokesperson, Official International Travel, Philippines, The Secretary of State