Japan, Philippines Seek U.S. Commitment to Rule of Law in Asia as China Escalates Actions

Japan and the Philippines have asked President-elect Donald Trump to prioritize upholding the rule of law in Asia. This comes as tensions in the area rise due to China's aggressive territorial claims.

During a joint news appearance in Manila on Wednesday, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo stressed how important it was for the U.S. to stay committed. The two countries want to talk to Trump directly about their worries. Trump's "America First" policy has made people wonder how the U.S. will continue to be involved in the area.

Iwaya said, "We will talk to the next U.S. administration to let them know that the United States' positive commitment to this region is also important for the U.S."

As the call comes in, tensions are rising between the Chinese and Philippine coast guards in the South China Sea. A Chinese coast guard ship recently patrolled the controversial Scarborough Shoal and got within 77 nautical miles of the coast of the Philippines, which made people worry about more fighting.

Under the terms of their mutual defense treaty, the U.S. has warned the Philippines that it will protect its forces if they are attacked with weapons. "The issue over the South China Sea is a legitimate concern for the international community because it directly links to regional peace and stability," said Iwaya.

On the other hand, China has said there is no question about its authority in the South China Sea. In Beijing, a Chinese official said that recent patrols by the Coast Guard were "lawful and justified." They blamed the Philippines and other claimants for entering Chinese territorial areas.

Working together as a trio to fight threats

To deal with the "increasingly severe strategic environment," Japan and the Philippines have said they want to work together with the U.S. more closely. Iwaya said again that Japan would not accept any one-sided attempts to change the status quo in the region through force, and Manalo said that the Philippines wanted to talk about China's recent actions during talks between the two countries in Xiamen.

The situation in the South China Sea is still a big problem for international diplomacy. Everyone involved is under a lot of pressure to calm down and avoid a possible armed war.

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