U.S.-Japan-Philippines Summit: Bolstering Deterrence in the Indo-Pacific

Panelists & Moderator in the roundtable discussion are:
Prof. Yoichiro Sato, Asia Pacific University, Beppu, Japan
Col. Jeffry Hollman, Chief, Mission Assurance, INDOPACOM, USA
Prof. Renato Cruz De Castro, Department of International Studies, De La Salle University, Manila
Mr. José A. Custodio, Fellow, CIPR, USA
Dr. Indu Saxena, Consortium of Indo-Pacific Researchers (CIPR)
April 11, 2024, marked a historic moment as the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines convened their inaugural trilateral summit in Washington. This landmark event signifies a significant stride in strengthening relationships, enhancing security, and fostering economic cooperation, all in pursuit of a shared vision for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. These three allies, united as maritime democracies, voiced an unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. They expressed steadfast support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Their efforts underscore the proactive engagement with Pacific Island countries and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in bolstering the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. Furthermore, they welcomed the endeavors of Quad,
AUKUS, and the U.S.-Japan-Republic of Korea trilateral framework to promote a peaceful, stable, rules-based Indo-Pacific region.As part of their collaborative efforts to foster inclusive economic growth and investment and advance the Indo-Pacific Framework (IPEF), the United States has unveiled a $1 billion investment in the private sector to boost the Philippines' innovation economy, clean energy transition, and supply chain resilience. Japan, too, demonstrated its commitment by investing more than JPY 600 billion in the Philippines between 2022 and 2023. Additionally, the two countries have announced the creation of the first PGII (Partnership of Global Infrastructure & Investment) Luzon Economic Corridor, which aims to improve connectivity between Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas in the Philippines. This initiative is expected to expedite infrastructure projects related to rail, roads, ports, semiconductors, and supply chains, with the active involvement of multilateral organizations and private sectors.The United States and Japan have pledged to invest in and support the Philippines in advancing cutting-edge technologies, including Open Radio Access Network (RAN), semiconductor supply chains, and climate and clean energy technologies. The support will extend to renewable energy projects like solar and wind power.In a strong show of unity, the three countries reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea and the East China Sea. They also voiced concerns about China's military buildup on reclaimed islands and its illegal territorial claims in the South China Sea. These issues were addressed in the joint statement, which also highlighted the potential of the Luzon corridor and its forthcoming projects as a countermeasure to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The partnership's expansion in defense capabilities and interoperabilities, including joint maritime exercises and Coast Guard patrolling, aims to bolster deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Few of the questions discussed during the session:
What are the two big takeaways from the trilateral summit, both regionally and globally?
Considering the current geopolitical landscape, how reliable is the U.S. security guarantee to these countries amidst potential conflict with China's expansionism?
Japan and the Philippines have recently taken bold strategic steps in their foreign policies. As treaty allies with the U.S., do you believe these actions have bolstered deterrence? This question gains particular relevance in the context of Iran's recent attack on Israel, where some argue that deterrence didn't work.
Do you think more ASEAN countries will follow in the footsteps of the Philippines, particularly Vietnam and Malaysia, who have territorial disputes with China?