On December 10, the inaugural United States-Japan-Philippines Maritime Dialogue took place in Tokyo, Japan. This event followed the trilateral Leaders’ Summit held in April at the White House, where leaders from these countries committed to enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including maritime security. The aim is to promote a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
The dialogue featured several senior representatives from the United States: 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 of U.S. Forces Japan Major General George Rowell, and U.S. Coast Guard Director of International Affairs and Foreign Policy Advisor Holly Haverstick.
During the discussions, concerns were raised about regional maritime issues, particularly regarding "the PRC’s dangerous and unlawful behavior in the South China Sea," which includes "the repeated blocking and harassment of Philippine vessels from operating within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone." Such actions were described as threats to "the freedoms of navigation and overflight of all nations."
Participants reiterated their commitment to international law as outlined in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention. Additionally, they explored opportunities to enhance future trilateral cooperation through activities such as combined trainings, maritime law enforcement initiatives, coast guard capacity building, and engagement with other partners.
