By Janet Ekstract NEW YORK- On Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised the historic, trilateral meeting on Thursday with Philippine President Marcos, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida and U.S. President Biden whose aim is to broaden and deepen cooperation on a number of levels in the Indo-Pacific region. Blinken commented before Friday’s 3=3 meeting that included U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro and Philippine National Security Advisor Eduardo M. Afio. Blinken lauded Friday’s 3+3, commenting that it “reflects the growing and deepening cooperation between our counties on a broad array of issues.” Blinken added that the meeting also demonstrates everyone’s “shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, including the South China Seas.” The secretary of state said he welcomes the opportunity to further cooperation, collaboration and to support the Philippines “in our ironclad defense commitments, including the Mutual Defense Treaty.”
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Austin noted how historic the meeting is, commenting: “It’s the first time that all six of us have gathered to discuss the diplomatic and defense priorities at the heart of our alliance.” Austin praised the leadership of the alliance under President Biden and President Marcos which he said is “stronger than ever.” Austin said that Friday’s discussions will encompass “a whole-of-government vision for this alliance” and reminded everyone “that our shared security relies on strong military bonds, shared economic opportunities, and robust people-to-people ties.” He said that at the Department of Defense, “we’re working in lockstep with our colleagues at the Department of National Defense, to strengthen interoperability between our forces, to expand our operational coordination, and to stand up to coercion in the South China Sea.” Austin echoed Blinken’s commitment to “our Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the Philippines that remains ironclad” – adding that when he hosts President Marcos at the Pentagon, he will reiterate to him “that is that the United States and The Philippines are more than allies -we’re family.” National Security Adviser Sullivan said “we not only reaffirm the alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines, but we put the alliance commitments at the heart of it into practice.” Sullivan said the goal is to operationalize, execute and work “entirely in lockstep.”
Philippine Foreign Secretary Manalo emphasized how the 3+3 meeting is “also a historic meeting” since he said it follows “the even more historic trilateral summit” on Thursday. Manalo said the Philippines puts crucial importance on Friday’s meeting “especially in the light of recent developments in the South China Sea.” Manalo highlighted “China’s escalation of its harassment” which he said recently caused injury to four Filipino seamen. He reiterated that the Philippines is “determined to assert our sovereign rights, especially within our economic – Exclusive Economic Zone, and in accordance with the UNCLOS and the arbitral ruling.” Manalo said the meeting is a chance for all parties to be in a stronger position “to coordinate our responses” that he said include “both diplomatic and on the defense and security fronts in relation to any actions in the South China Sea, whether they’re positive or negative, including in the Ayungin Shoal.” Manalo expressed his hope that the 3+3 meeting will be a “regular event” and that it will “reinforce our regular Bilateral Strategic Dialogue, as well as our ongoing maritime dialogue.” He mentioned there should be additional talks to clarify the MDT since he said it would assist in “deterring further escalation by China.”
Friday’s 3+3 meeting serves as an opportunity to “have a fresh, open and candid discussion of our departments’ objectives” according to the “broader strategy of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro said. Teodoro added that U.S. and Philippine interests “converge” on this strategy and that his hope is that the alliance becomes an even “stronger family with bonds of a shared vision” for future generations. Philippine National Security Advisor Ano said he’s honored to be a part of the whole process that began in June 2023 with the inaugural, trilateral national security advisors meeting in Tokyo. He said this meeting will “further concretize our deepening security partnership and enduring alliance,” that he said is founded on “shared democratic values and aspirations of our peoples, with activities carefully curated to achieve our collective goals.”
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