The United States, Japan and the Philippines announced an alliance to increase cooperation in countering China's threats

America, JapanAnd Philippines expressed their “deep concern” over Beijing's attitude South SeaTheir leaders in a joint statement after an unprecedented trilateral summit this Thursday White House.

“We express our deep concern over the dangerous and aggressive behavior of the People's Republic of China in the South China Sea,” the three leaders said, referring to the increasingly tense territorial dispute.

In a clear warning BeijingPresident Joe Biden He promised to protect Philippines In the case of “attacking”. South Sea.

“Any attack against Philippine aircraft, ships or armed forces South Seatrigger the application of the “Mutual Security Agreement”. Biden.

A group of Biden With his Filipino Ferdinand Marcos and the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida It was conducted amid repeated clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels that have raised fears of a collision.

China Pretty much says it all South SeaIgnoring the demands of many Southeast Asian countries including Philippines.

“Dedication of America with security Japan And Philippines “It's unbreakable,” the 81-year-old Democratic president said.

Targeting an area Asia-Pacific “Free, Open, Prosperous and Secure”An expression used Washington To oppose what he considers dangerous and aggressive plans China In zone.

Beijing There has already been a strong response to Wednesday's announcement of greater military cooperation between the two America And Japan.

“America And JapanExceeding serious concerns ChinaSlandered and attacked China About Taiwan and maritime issues,” he declared. Mao NingChinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson at a press conference.

He met the US President on Wednesday Fumio Kishida A preview of this tripartite meeting during a lavish state visit Ferdinand MarcosThe son and namesake of the former dictator Philippineswho came to power in June 2022.

The Philippine leader described the meeting as “historic”.

“Today's meeting provides an opportunity to define together the future we want and the means to achieve it”, he added in a brief statement to reporters.

military operations China “Represents an unprecedented challenge, and A major strategic challenge not only to the peace and security of Japan, but also to the peace and security of the international community as a whole“, the Japanese prime minister previously told Congress Washington.

In recent months, tensions between China And Philippines have reached an all-time high. Both countries are increasingly asserting their territorial rights.

Last month there were two collisions between Chinese and Philippine ships The second was Thomas Attallwas invited Renai By ChinaIt contains South Sea.

In this context, Joe Biden announced that America, Philippines And Japan “They will deepen their ties in maritime security.”

He promised closer economic and technical cooperation, especially to promote major infrastructure projects Philippines.

Tensions have also escalated, along with swordplay over Chinese claims over the autonomous island Taiwanled to Biden To encourage alliances in the region Pacific Asia To address strategic objectives China.

In 2023 he held an unprecedented tripartite summit with leaders Japan And South Korea at his residence Camp David.

(AFP)