On 13 January 2025, Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, U.S. President Joe Biden, and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. held a 25-minute video conference, marking a significant step in trilateral cooperation. The meeting focused on maritime security, economic resilience, and cyber defense, building on their initial leaders’ summit last April.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to opposing unilateral actions that threaten the status quo in the East and South China Seas. They also emphasized the need for broader international engagement, particularly from like-minded nations, to address tensions in the South China Sea. Prime Minister Ishiba highlighted Japan’s recent diplomatic efforts in Malaysia and Indonesia, strengthening partnerships for regional maritime security.
Economic security was another key focus, with the leaders welcoming progress on initiatives like the Luzon Economic Corridor. Ishiba stressed the importance of resilient supply chains and urged the U.S. to address concerns over Japan’s recent acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel. The summit underscored the critical role of strong, united cooperation among Japan, the U.S., and the Philippines in advancing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law.
