Romualdez: PH-US-Japan trilateral meet affirms call for rules-based order

WASHINGTON, D.C., United States — The upcoming summit between the Philippines, the United States (US), and Japan affirms the call for a rules-based order and the observance of international law, House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said.

Romualdez made this statement on Wednesday (Eastern time), a day before leaders of the three countries meet for the first-ever trilateral summit here to discuss several issues, including rising tensions over the South China Sea.

“This historic gathering serves not only as a powerful symbol of unity but as a clarion call for stronger international solidarity to reaffirm every nation’s unwavering commitment to upholding international law and the rules-based order, which are fundamental pillars for ensuring lasting peace, stability, and prosperity,” Romualdez said

“The ability of nations to navigate freely is essential for trade, communication, and regional security.  We trust that the meeting of the three leaders will prove productive in strengthening cooperation to safeguard this crucial right,” he added.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who arrived in Washington on Wednesday night (Eastern time), will join US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in a trilateral meeting on Thursday afternoon.

READ: Marcos arrives for PH-Japan-US summit in Washington, D.C.

Philippine and American officials have confirmed that the discussions would include China’s aggressive actions that affect the Indo-Pacific Region, but US National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby earlier clarified that the security concerns are only a part of the various topics that will be addressed.

According to Kirby, while it might be easy to conclude that the South China Sea issue spurred the meeting, a wide array of topics are on the table, such as economic partnerships and strengthening ties between the three countries.

READ: Trilateral meeting not just about South China Sea row, says US exec

Nevertheless, Romualdez believes that the meeting will have an impact on the South China Sea discussions, as it shows that the US and Japan would be willing to stand up for the Philippines.

“I have no doubt that this trilateral meeting will pave the way for a more robust and collaborative approach towards addressing regional challenges. It sends a clear message that the Philippines, the United States, and Japan stand together in promoting stability and upholding the principles of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Romualdez said.

Recognition of Marcos’ leadership

Romualdez also believes that the meeting is a recognition of President Marcos’ leadership and his foreign policy of being a friend to all and an enemy to none.

“This historic summit is an unequivocal recognition of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s leadership, bringing the Philippines to the forefront of regional cooperation and diplomacy,” the Speaker said.

“The outcomes of the trilateral summit affirm our country’s commitment to fostering strong and mutually beneficial partnerships with key allies like the United States and Japan,” he added.

The Speaker meanwhile assured the Chief Executive that the House would support the policy changes or adjustments that may arise after this summit.

“President Marcos, Jr. can count on the unwavering support of the House of Representatives for his initiatives to promote peace through rules-based order and diplomacy and spur economic development for the benefit not only of the Filipino people but of the greater international community,” he noted.

This is Marcos’ fourth official visit to the US since being sworn into office in 2022.  The President previously went to New York in September 2022 for the 77th United Nations General Assembly, then to Washington for a five-day official visit in May 2023 to discuss the economy, and to California for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit last November 2023.