PH’s trilateral meeting with US, Japan not directed at any country — DFA

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s upcoming trilateral meeting with Japan and the United States is not directed at any country, said a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official on Friday.

The historic meeting comes amid heightened tensions between Manila and Beijing. China has issued ominous warnings telling the Philippines that it is headed down a dangerous path.

READ: Marcos: PH avoiding war amid China threat

When asked in a Palace briefing if the Philippines is poking the bear with this meeting, DFA Acting Deputy Undersecretary Hans Mohaimin Siriban said that the meeting focused on the relationship between the three countries.

“This trilateral cooperation is not directed at any country. It is really a deepening of existing strong bilateral alliances that we have had,” said Siriban.

READ: A long-awaited pact with Japan

On top of security, Marcos will also discuss economic matters with US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumiio Kishida, according to the DFA official.

“We are looking at an expanded platform where we can look at synergies where our three countries can cooperate in enhancing the economic resilience of the Philippines, especially in the areas of strategic and critical infrastructure,” said Siriban.

Marcos has already met with both Biden and Kishida in separate bilateral meetings, but this is the first time where the three of them will meet together.