WASHINGTON, Jan 13: President Joe Biden of the United States held discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. They covered topics such as trilateral maritime security, economic collaboration, and China’s purported “dangerous and unlawful behavior” in the South China Sea, according to the White House.
In a statement released on Sunday, the White House noted, “The three Leaders collectively addressed trilateral maritime security and economic cooperation, alongside the People’s Republic of China’s threatening and illegitimate actions in the South China Sea.”
The leaders concurred on the necessity of enhanced coordination to foster a free and open Indo-Pacific, the statement highlighted.
Recently, tensions have escalated over disputed territories in the South China Sea, which are claimed by both China and the Philippines, resulting in repeated confrontations involving vessels from both nations.
For decades, the territorial rights to several islands in the South China Sea have been contentious among China and numerous other Asia-Pacific nations. These islands, including the Paracel Islands, the Spratly Islands, Thitu Island, and Scarborough Shoal, have been found to harbor significant oil and gas reserves. Countries such as Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and the Philippines have been involved in these disputes.
The presence of US warships in the South China Sea often complicates the situation, with the Chinese Foreign Ministry asserting that their passage violates international law and threatens China’s sovereignty and security. Nonetheless, Washington maintains that it has the right to operate in these waters as permitted by international law. (UNI)
