MANILA – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reiterated the United States’ dedication to maintaining trilateral cooperation with the Philippines and Japan under President Donald Trump’s administration.
This affirmation was made during Rubio’s bilateral meeting with Japan’s Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.
According to a statement from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two ministers acknowledged the significance of enhancing collaboration among like-minded nations, including the Japan-US-Republic of Korea, Japan-Australia-India-US, and Japan-US-Philippines partnerships.
Additionally, a separate statement from the US State Department indicated that the officials discussed collaborative efforts between the US and Japan to address ongoing threats in the Indo-Pacific and globally, particularly in response to China’s destabilizing actions.
Tokyo has previously underscored the necessity of US presence in Asia, especially in light of what it characterizes as an “increasingly severe strategic environment” in the region.
During his visit to Manila on January 15, Iwaya emphasized that the trilateral relations among Japan, the US, and the Philippines represent a “highly important framework” for achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific.
He remarked, “Southeast Asia is situated at a strategic pivot in the Indo-Pacific and serves as a center for global growth; therefore, partnership with Southeast Asia is essential for regional peace and stability,” during a joint press conference with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.
Iwaya further stated, “We will engage with the next US administration to express that a constructive commitment from the United States in this region is crucial, not only for the region but also for the United States itself.”/PN
