US, Philippines and Japan to hold their first-ever trilateral summit on April 11

The White House will host its first-ever trilateral summit with Japan and Philippines on April 11 where they will discuss cooperation to promote emerging technologies, inclusive economic growth and peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region amidst China's aggressive actions.

US President Joe Biden will host Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan and his Filipino counterpart Ferdinand R Marcos Jr at the White House for the maiden trilateral summit, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Monday.

During the summit, the leaders will advance a trilateral partnership built on deep historical ties of friendship, robust and growing economic relations, a proud and resolute commitment to shared democratic values, and a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, the official statement read.

"The leaders will also reaffirm the ironclad alliances between the United States and the Philippines, and the United States and Japan. At the summit, the three leaders will discuss trilateral cooperation to promote inclusive economic growth and emerging technologies, advance clean energy supply chains and climate cooperation, and further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and around the world," she said.

“At the summit, the three leaders will discuss trilateral cooperation to promote inclusive economic growth and emerging technologies, advance clean energy supply chains and climate cooperation, and further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and around the world,” Jean-Pierre said. 

In addition, President Biden will host Marcos for a meeting at the White House on April 11 to review the historic momentum in US-Philippines relations and discuss efforts to expand cooperation on economic security, clean energy, people-to-people ties, and human rights and democracy, she said in the statement.

“The President will stress on the US commitment to upholding international law and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Jean-Pierre added. 

The US, Japan and the Philippines have all criticized China’s growing assertiveness in the region, especially over the disputed South China Sea — which it claims almost in its entirety, reported PTI.

Tensions there have soared between Beijing and the Philippines, with clashes involving government vessels from both countries erupting numerous times.

Concerns also mount over China's actions near Taiwan, which is separated from the Philippines by the Bashi Channel.