US aims to boost ties with Asian allies Japan, Philippines amid tensions with China

WASHINGTON: United States President Joe Biden will host Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr in a three-way summit this week, to strengthen relations in the face of increased tensions with China.

The meeting underscores the importance that the Biden administration places on Indo-Pacific security, following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in June last year and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s trip last October.

The talks will include ways to push back against China, following increased pressure on the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea.

TACKLING CHINESE PRESSURE

China's assertiveness has created a common sense of purpose for the three countries, which are seeking a united front to counter Beijing, said observers. 

Mr Daniel Russel, vice president for international security and diplomacy at the Asia Society Policy Institute, said: “It’s certainly the intention, I believe, of the three leaders to demonstrate in large part to Beijing that the Philippines is not alone, that the West certainly is standing up for adherence to international law, and to global norms. That’s an important message.”

Mr Biden will host Mr Kishida in Washington on Wednesday (Apr 10). Both leaders as well as Mr Marcos will meet on Thursday for talks. 

“It's a remarkable meeting,” said Mr Christopher Johnstone, Japan chair at policy research organisation Center for Strategic and International Studies. 

“I can't remember another meeting like this with a third leader joining at the back end of a bilateral summit. And the fact that it's the Philippines says a lot about how much the relationship, both for Tokyo and Washington with Manila, has improved. 

“During the Duterte years, the relationship with the Philippines was quite difficult for the United States. It's completely turned a corner under President Marcos.”

US, JAPAN TO RENEW AGREEMENTS IN DEFENCE, TRADE AND AI

Mr Kishida’s visit is expected to lead to renewed agreements in areas of defence, space, trade and artificial intelligence. 

Deliverables from the talks between Mr Biden and Mr Kishida could include the biggest upgrade to the US-Japan security pact since the 1960s, with a potential to bolster planning and exercises under efforts to strengthen maritime security. 

During his trip, Mr Kishida is expected to visit an electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant to show how Japanese investment there has led to economy-boosting and job-creating opportunities.

Tokyo has become one of Washington’s most dependable Asian allies during Mr Biden’s time in office. 

“The US and Japan are about as closely aligned as you can get,” said Mr Johnstone.

“And in many ways, Kishida has been an unexpectedly strong leader from an American perspective, strong in his support for Ukraine, strong in making decisions to increase defence spending in a rather dramatic way, (and) strong in leading the G7 last year."

However, a domestic issue that could sour this trip involves Japanese steelmaker Nippon Steel’s US$15 billion deal to buy US Steel, an icon of American industry. The move has drawn sharp criticism in the US. 

With one eye on the presidential election in November and the need to get endorsements from unions, Mr Biden is opposing the sale of the American manufacturer, saying the asset should remain domestically owned.

“That issue will be held off to the side or at a minimum, be dealt with behind closed doors,” said Mr Russel. 

“It’s a fact of life, it’s a very unfortunate intrusion of domestic politics into the commercial realm.”