As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office again, Japan and the Philippines are urging him to ensure that the United States continues its strong presence in the Indo-Pacific, especially with the growing threats posed by China. Both nations, which are critical U.S. allies in the region and have formal defense agreements with America, are particularly concerned about Beijing’s increasing aggression in the South China Sea and East China Sea.
Trump’s “America First” approach has raised concerns about the future of U.S. involvement in Asia. However, Japan and the Philippines have consistently emphasized that a robust U.S. role in the region is vital for both regional stability and America’s long-term strategic interests. The South China Sea, through which one-third of global trade passes, has been the site of numerous confrontations between Chinese forces and Philippine coast guard vessels, making it an area of rising tension.
In a joint press conference in Manila, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo highlighted the importance of maintaining strong U.S. engagement in the region. Iwaya emphasized that the U.S.’s continued involvement in Asia was essential, not just for regional peace, but also for America’s own security. He also reiterated Japan’s strong opposition to any attempt by China to alter the region’s status quo through force, a position shared by the Philippines.
Japan and the Philippines have been increasingly cooperating on security matters, with the Philippines ratifying a military agreement with Japan in 2023 to facilitate joint exercises. The two countries, along with the U.S., also held trilateral coast guard drills in 2023 to enhance maritime cooperation. These actions underline the growing defense ties between the nations, which are essential for countering China’s aggressive expansion in the region.
With Trump’s inauguration scheduled for January 20, Japan and the Philippines are seeking assurances that the U.S. will not retreat from its commitments to their security. Iwaya is set to attend the inauguration as a representative of one of America’s closest treaty allies in the Pacific.
The Philippines also plans to address its concerns with Chinese diplomats during a meeting in Xiamen. The discussion is expected to focus on recent maritime clashes in the South China Sea and the need for long-term mechanisms to reduce tensions.
For the United States, continuing to prioritize its relationships with Japan and the Philippines is crucial for maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. As China continues to assert its dominance in the region, U.S. leadership and support for its allies will be key in ensuring that peace and stability are preserved in one of the most vital areas of the world.