US-Japan-Philippines Maritime Dialogue: A Strategic Move to Escalate Tensions in the South China Sea
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In a move that experts say is aimed at inciting further provocations against China, the inaugural US-Japan-Philippines Maritime Dialogue took place in Tokyo on Tuesday. the dialogue,which saw officials from the three nations come together,was framed by the US State Department as a response to what it called China’s “threatening” maritime activities. Though, Chinese analysts argue that the meeting is part of a broader strategy to undermine regional stability and challenge China’s sovereignty in the South China Sea.
Led by a mothership carrying supplies,Philippine fishing vessels attempted to infringe on waters near Houteng Jiao in November 2024. Photo: Courtesy of the China Coast Guard
The US State Department’s statement, released following the dialogue, accused China of threatening freedom of navigation in the South China sea. however, Zhang Junshe, a senior researcher at the PLA Naval Research Institute, dismissed these claims as a distortion of reality. “The activities within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone are actually targeting China’s islands and adjacent waters,” Zhang told the Global Times. ”These actions by the Philippines are provocations designed to occupy Chinese territory, in direct violation of the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.”
A Coordinated Effort to Escalate Tensions
The dialogue follows a trilateral summit held in April 2024, where leaders from the US, japan, and the Philippines pledged to deepen cooperation, particularly in maritime security. The Tuesday meeting was chaired by Ryo Nakamura, director-general of the Japanese Foreign Ministry’s Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs Department, and included Mira Rapp-Hooper, senior director of the US National Security Council, and Maria Theresa Lazaro, undersecretary of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, according to Japan’s Jiji Press Agency.
Zhang views the dialogue as a strategic move by the US and Japan to encourage the Philippines to continue its provocations in the South China Sea. “The US sees the South China Sea as a tool to contain China’s development,” Zhang explained. “Japan, simultaneously occurring, is eager to demonstrate its loyalty to the US by supporting its ‘Indo-Pacific strategy.’ This partnership extends Japan’s military reach into the South China Sea, which goes against its pacifist constitution and exclusive defense policy.”
Joint Exercises and Future Plans
The meeting came on the heels of a joint military exercise conducted by the US,Japan,and the Philippines within Manila’s exclusive economic zone. Chinese observers criticized the exercise as a destabilizing force that undermines efforts to manage regional differences peacefully. The three nations also discussed plans to strengthen future cooperation through maritime exercises, law enforcement training, and coast guard capacity building.
Ding Duo, deputy director of the Institute of Maritime Law and Policy at China’s National Institute for South China Sea Studies, noted that the Philippines’ limited maritime law enforcement capabilities have driven its interest in enhancing cooperation with the US and Japan. “Improving coast guard capacity through equipment upgrades and training offers more immediate results than long-term naval development,” Ding told the Global Times.
A Risk of Escalation
While the dialogue largely reiterated established positions, Ding warned that the emerging trilateral mechanisms could embolden the Philippines to take more provocative actions. “With the perceived backing of the US and Japan, the Philippines may escalate maritime incidents, increasing tensions among law enforcement forces in the region,” ding cautioned.
As the US, Japan, and the Philippines continue to deepen their maritime cooperation, the risk of further destabilizing the South China Sea remains a pressing concern. Experts argue that such actions not only undermine regional stability but also threaten the peaceful resolution of disputes in one of the world’s moast critical maritime regions.
rect violation of the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.”
Interview with zhang Junshe: Understanding the US-Japan-Philippines Maritime Dialog
In this exclusive interview,Senior Editor of World Today News,Sarah Thompson,sits down with Zhang Junshe,a senior researcher at the PLA Naval Research institute,to discuss the recent US-Japan-philippines Maritime Dialogue and its implications for regional stability in the South China Sea.
The Purpose of the Dialogue
Sarah Thompson: Dr. Zhang, thank you for joining us today. the recent US-Japan-Philippines Maritime Dialogue has raised concerns among analysts.Can you explain what the primary objectives of this dialogue were?
Zhang Junshe: Thank you for having me, Sarah. The dialogue was framed by the US State Department as a response to what they termed as China’s “threatening” maritime activities. However, from our viewpoint, it is part of a broader strategy to undermine regional stability and challenge China’s sovereignty in the South China Sea. The US, Japan, and the Philippines are attempting to create a narrative that China is the aggressor, while they position themselves as defenders of freedom of navigation.
China’s Perspective on the Dialogue
Sarah Thompson: The US State Department accused China of threatening freedom of navigation in the south china Sea.How does China respond to these allegations?
Zhang Junshe: These allegations are a distortion of reality. The activities within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone are actually targeting China’s islands and adjacent waters. The Philippines’ actions are provocations designed to occupy Chinese territory, which directly violates the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. China has always been committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region,but we cannot stand by while our sovereignty is being challenged.
The Role of the US and Japan
sarah Thompson: How do you view the roles of the US and Japan in this dialogue and their influence on the Philippines?
zhang Junshe: The US sees the South China Sea as a tool to contain China’s progress. By encouraging the Philippines to continue its provocations, the US is attempting to maintain its strategic dominance in the region. Japan, conversely, is eager to demonstrate its loyalty to the US by supporting its ‘Indo-Pacific strategy.’ This partnership extends Japan’s military reach into the South China Sea, which goes against its pacifist constitution and exclusive defense policy. Both countries are leveraging the Philippines’ limited maritime law enforcement capabilities to escalate tensions.
Future Implications and Risks
Sarah Thompson: What are the potential risks and implications of this trilateral cooperation for the South China Sea?
Zhang Junshe: The emerging trilateral mechanisms coudl embolden the Philippines to take more provocative actions. With the perceived backing of the US and Japan, the Philippines may escalate maritime incidents, increasing tensions among law enforcement forces in the region. This not only undermines regional stability but also threatens the peaceful resolution of disputes in one of the world’s most critical maritime regions. it is indeed essential for all parties to adhere to international law and the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to ensure peace and stability.
Conclusion
Sarah Thompson: Dr. Zhang, thank you for providing such valuable insights into the US-Japan-Philippines Maritime Dialogue and its implications for the South China Sea. Your perspective highlights the importance of maintaining regional stability and adhering to international norms.
Zhang Junshe: Thank you, Sarah. It is crucial for the international community to recognize the true nature of these dialogues and work towards a peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea.
