US-Japan-Philippines hold first maritime dialogue, backing Manila's efforts

On December 10, senior officials from Japan, the United States and the Philippines held their first trilateral maritime dialogue.

The US-Japan-Philippines Maritime Dialogue on December 10, held in Tokyo. (Source: Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs )

Kyodo news agency quoted a Japanese government statement saying that during the dialogue in Tokyo, officials from the Foreign Ministry, the Defense Ministry and coast guard representatives of the three countries agreed to strengthen cooperation to realize a free and open Indo- Pacific region.

The three sides reaffirmed their opposition to "unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force" in the East Sea.

In addition, Japan and the United States expressed support for the Philippines' consistent efforts towards " peaceful resolution of disputes" in the sea, and welcomed Manila's proposal to host the second dialogue next year.

In April this year, the US and two Asian allies held a summit in Washington, announcing the establishment of a trilateral dialogue "to enhance coordination and collective response to promote maritime cooperation".

Manila, Tokyo and Washington welcomed the start of the first-ever trilateral maritime dialogue following the outcome of the summit, and affirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation among the three countries as natural partners.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/my-nhat-ban-philippines-lan-dau-tien-to-chuc-doi-thoai-hang-hai-ung-ho-no-luc-cua-manila-296935.html