US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru expressed strong opposition to China’s maritime claims and its “threatening and provocative activities” in the South China Sea (SCS) during a bilateral summit in Washington D.C. on February 7.
The leaders also criticized Beijing’s militarization of reclaimed features in the sea lane and reiterated their commitment to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The Philippines has condemned China’s increased presence in the West Philippine Sea, including the deployment of coast guard vessels near Zambales.
Trump and Ishiba also emphasized continued cooperation with like-minded countries, including the Philippines, and highlighted their joint efforts to promote high-quality infrastructure investments in the region.
As part of their cooperation, the US and Japan pledged $8 million for Open Radio Access Network field trials, aimed at strengthening secure information and communications technology in the region.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 9, 2025
