Japan pushes stronger US ties with PH, allies amid Trump policy shifts

In view of the ongoing shifts in American foreign policy under the Trump administration, Japan has emphasized to the United States that enhanced U.S. relations with the Philippines and regional allies is strategically beneficial to the Western power's interests.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya made the remark during a forum Friday organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute in conjunction with the Japan Foundation Manila.

"We communicate with the new U.S. administration from the perspective that constructive U.S. engagement in the region is in the vital interest of the U.S. itself. We continue our humble efforts while closely communicating with the Philippine friends, including our foreign ministers visited Manila in January and that of our defense minister in February," Kazuya stated.

Last month, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya held his first meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where both parties agreed to elevate the U.S.-Japan alliance to "new heights" while recognizing the importance of trilateral cooperation with the Philippines.

"Having recognized this landscape surrounding us, Japan, Philippines and U.S. partnership, it is crucial that we approach the future with foresight and collaboration," Kazuya remarked.

Washington's support remains vital for Manila's efforts to modernize its military as the Philippines seeks to bolster its maritime capabilities amid increasing aggressive actions from China, which has been involved in ongoing harassment and intimidation of Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

Recently, the Trump administration exempted $336 million in military assistance for the modernization of Philippine security forces from its foreign aid freeze. This funding is part of a broader $500 million aid package pledged by the Biden administration to enhance the Philippines' defense capabilities, which has garnered bipartisan backing in the U.S. Congress.

Gregory Poling, a senior rellow and director at the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), expressed belief that this exemption was a positive indicator that the Trump administration remains committed to supporting the Philippines.

"So, the Philippines is the only country in Asia that explicitly had its military assistance unlocked as a result of [Foreign Affairs] Secretary [Enrique] Manalo's meetings with Secretary Rubio," Poling said.

"That's a pretty good sign. It means that there's a recognition within the U.S. Department of State and Department of Defense that the military alliance and the U.S. capacity-building assistance for the Philippines is a critical national interest, one that can't wait for whatever process is ongoing right now to rationalize U.S. foreign assistance," Poling added.

The U.S. Department of State recently condemned China's actions in the West Philippine Sea for the first time since U.S. President Donald Trump took office, describing China's aggressive maneuvers against a Filipino aircraft as "reckless" and a "threat" to navigation in the South China Sea.

Poling highlighted the significance of this pronouncement, suggesting that it reassures the Philippines given concerns that Trump might withdraw from commitments to the region.

"It's important because that line was added to those statements by the Biden administration. So I think it's very reassuring to see it now reiterated by the Trump administration," Poling said.

However, Dr. Ken Jimbo, a professor of international relations at Keio University in Japan, warned that Trump's "transactional" approach in foreign policy may lead to unforeseen consequences.

He suggested that developments similar to those occurring in Ukraine could unfold in Southeast Asia if Trump opts to cut a deal with China that aligns more closely with his "America First" policy, potentially encouraging the Philippines and Taiwan to manage relations with China independently in maritime disputes.

"It's a formidable scenario that we really have to face," Jimbo said during the forum.

While the U.S. government under President Trump appears poised to uphold its alliance with the Philippines, Poling emphasized the need for the Philippines to "diversify its alliances." Poling added that this approach would provide the Philippines with valuable options should Trump become "distracted" and pivot towards China. — VDV, GMA Integrated News