Tensions in the South China Sea are expected to take center stage when leaders of the United States, Japan and the Philippines meet in Washington. Ahead of that meeting, the Chinese state-run Global Times published several pieces criticizing the alliance.

Beijing

The state-run Global Times in China has openly criticized the alliance between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines in several published articles. These critiques come just prior to a planned summit in Washington involving leaders from the three allied nations. The expectation is that the discussions at the summit will primarily focus on the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, signaling the importance of this geopolitical issue to the involved parties.

The involvement of a Chinese state-media outlet in commenting on this alliance highlights the complex diplomatic relations in the region, particularly concerning territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Given the strategic significance of the meeting in Washington, the Global Times' editorial stance is indicative of China's concern over the strengthening ties between the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines. This dynamic underscores the broader tensions and the intricate balance of power within the Asia-Pacific region.



China media slams U.S.-Japan-Philippines alliance ahead of summit

Meanwhile, the Global Times is wading into these tensions in the South China Sea with today's newspaper spread. You can see it here in the article includes views from Filipino analysts and ordinary people to support its argument against growing U.S. influence and military presence in the Philippines. And basically, you see in the big text there, quote, stop meddling. Now, Philippine government actions are causing unease among its ASEAN neighbors as well. The paper is also critical of the U.S.-Japan-Philippines alliance ahead of their leader's summit in Washington. It says that behind their pursuit of cooperation, peace and security is a, quote, undercurrent of confrontation, danger and conflict. Some harsh words there, Dave. Yeah. Ahead of that trilat summit, which I believe is scheduled for 4 p.m. Eastern time Thursday. That takes place early morning Friday, if my math and my brain is still working. Let's bring in our Manila bureau chief, Manny Serapio. He's with us right now to talk us through. Manny, let's start with just the general expectations that you guys have, particularly the view in Manila ahead of this meeting in Washington. Hi. I think the tensions with China would be at the center of this first ever trilateral summit between the Philippines, U.S. and Japan. And as President Marcos said yesterday before he flew out of Manila, he said that he expects there to be an agreement on keeping the peace and stability and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. And obviously these comments are coming shortly because of the recent clashes between Philippines and Chinese ships in the disputed waters, which obviously because of the videos that we've seen show that Chinese ships have been deploying water cannons on Philippine boats. So what does this then mean for the Philippines in terms of their assertions in the South China Sea? In other words, what does President Bongbong Marcos then hopefully come home with as far as that initiative or that exercise is concerned, Manny? Firstly, I think it strengthens the partnerships that President Marcos is trying to build with its allies and like-minded nations to strengthen its posture in the South China Sea. And it aligns with the goal of the U.S. and China, which is keeping peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. And President Marcos has been trying to rally allies. Obviously it's a long-term ally of the U.S., but besides the U.S. there's also Japan, Australia, the U.K. in terms of for the world to recognize the rules-based order in the South China Sea. As you know, there are other claimants to the South China Sea in terms of the structures there, but China has not really recognized these claims and continues to make sweeping claims in this very vital waterway. And Manny, just a final question, apart from security of the seas, do we expect any other areas of cooperation between the three nations, of course, in this meeting coming up? I think that there should be agreement and discussions in terms of boosting economic ties between them, in terms of critical infrastructure, in semiconductors, in renewable energy, and critical minerals, because the Philippines has been trying to partner with countries, with companies to boost processing of its resources, mainly nickel.

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