11-07-2025
Japan, US and Philippines reaffirm opposition to changes to status quo
The top diplomats of Japan, the United States and the Philippines have reaffirmed their opposition to attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion. The move is seen as an effort to counter China's growing maritime activities.
Japan's Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Philippines' Secretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro held talks on Thursday in Malaysia, on the sidelines of a series of ASEAN foreign ministerial talks.
The three ministers exchanged views on the recent situation in the East and South China seas. They confirmed the importance of respecting the rule of law and upholding the freedom of navigation.
Lazaro expressed her intention to host the trilateral maritime dialogue by autumn of this year. Iwaya and Rubio welcomed the idea.
After the meeting, Iwaya had a brief discussion with Rubio. He conveyed Japan's regret over President Donald Trump's notification that the US will impose a 25 percent tariff on imports from Japan starting on August 1.
Iwaya and Rubio confirmed that their countries will continue ministerial-level trade negotiations for a mutually beneficial agreement.
