Jake Sullivan, the National Security Adviser of the United States met his counterparts from Japan and the Philippines on Friday, June 16, 2023, where they agreed to strengthen their defense cooperation.
The meeting comes as the U.S and its allies make efforts to bolster their ties to adapt to escalating tensions over North Korea, China and Russia. It was held in Tokyo, Japan.
According to Sullivan, he, Takeo Akiba; the National Security Adviser of Japan and Eduardo Ano; the Filipino National Security Adviser deliberated on the “turbulent regional security environment and how we can collectively work to enhance peace and stability” in areas such as freedom of navigation and economic security.
National Security Advisers noted in a joint statement that the importance of enhancing three-way cooperation was underscored during their talks as well as building on alliances between Japan and the U.S. and between the Philippines and the U.S. to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, especially in the Taiwan Strait.
Sullivan averred that the “path-breaking” new trilateral framework is part of multiple alliances involving the United States in the Indo-Pacific region, including three-way cooperation with Japan and South Korea and the Quad security dialogue with Australia, India and Japan.
“I would say different groupings may have different points of priority and emphasis, but actually what we are finding is, the agenda is expanding because in a way the world is shrinking. And all of the problems everywhere are coming to touch every country in this area.”
Jake Sullivan
The three security advisers discussed opportunities for joint naval exercises in Indo-Pacific waters and agreed to deepen military cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
A joint readout of the meeting read, “they concurred that a free and open maritime order, characterized by freedom of navigation, and a free, fair, and equitable economic order are essential in the Indo-Pacific, especially given unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.”
Sullivan said that he, Akiba and Ano decided to meet again in the coming months to expand their cooperation and information sharing.
On Thursday, June 15, 2023, Sullivan and Akiba held a separate three-way meeting with their South Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yong, which Sullivan said had a “profound impact” on strengthening their cooperation following a recent improvement in Japan-South Korea ties.
Sullivan Echoes Kritenbrink’s Stance On Blinken’s Visit To China
Also, Sullivan reiterated Daniel Kritenbrink’s stance on U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken’s visit to China, stating that Blinken is not expected to make a significant breakthrough during his visit on Sunday, June 18, 2023, to China.
Daniel Kritenbrink, U.S Department of State’s top diplomat for East Asia, on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, told reporters in a briefing, “We’re not going to Beijing with the intent of having some sort of breakthrough or transformation in the way that we deal with one another.”
Meanwhile, Sullivan said that Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s state visit to Washington later in the week “will mark a transformational moment in U.S.-India relations.”
“Secretary Blinken’s trip to China will be a significant event, but it’s likely not even the most significant event of next week when it comes to US foreign policy.”
Jake Sullivan
The U.S National Security Adviser disclosed that Blinken would explain U.S. policy as the U.S. pursues “vigorous diplomacy” to manage tension between the world’s two biggest economies during his China trip.
