DFA exec says PH-Japan-US meet aims to boost peace in Indo-Pacific
A Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official says the upcoming trilateral meeting between the Philippines, Japan, and the United States aims to strengthen peace in the Indo-Pacific Region. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Strengthening peace in the Indo-Pacific Region would be the leading agenda in the upcoming trilateral meeting between the Philippines, Japan, and the United States.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Acting Deputy Undersecretary Hans Mohaimin Siriban disclosed this Friday, further noting that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and US President Joe Biden will bolster the relationship between the three countries.
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“The elevation of the Philippine-Japan-US partnership into this trilateral cooperation has the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific at the forefront, which is the basis for this trilateral process,” he said in a press briefing in Malacañang.
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According to Siriban, the three leaders will discuss the recent incidents in the West Philippine Sea, where Chinese Coast Guards fired a water cannon on Filipino vessels in Ayungin Shoal, leaving three people injured.
“We can expect a discussion on the recent incidents. Of course, the joint vision statement is still under discussion, but we can expect an alignment of views among the three countries on the recent incidents in the West Philippine Sea,” said Siriban.
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Siriban said the three leaders are anticipated to issue a joint vision statement regarding the conference which will take place on April 11 at the White House in Washington, D.C., USA.
Marcos will meet separately with Biden on the same day and also meet with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
The meeting comes amid heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea as China continues its hostile behavior in the disputed area and intrusion into Philippine waters.
