His stated interests include reducing tensions in the South China Sea and East China Sea. Second, he’ll explore China’s increasingly belligerent military moves. His presentations will focus on the issues these developments create for Japan and other regional neighbors, particularly the Philippines.
Over China’s aggressive territorial claims over nearly all of the South China Sea, a critical waterway for international trade. In just the last few years, the country has significantly increased its military footprint on the ground. It has increasingly militarized its coast guard and navy. The construction of these artificial island bases has strengthened China’s claims, enabling China to effectively assert control over these disputed waters.
Recent incidents have raised alarms among regional players. Chinese coast guard and navy vessels have been accused of ramming and blocking Philippine and Vietnamese ships, while employing powerful water cannons against these vessels. These belligerent maneuvers have led to increased hostilities in the contested maritime areas. The result is that now, both the United States and Japan are shouting foul.
Beijing’s aggression isn’t confined to the South China Sea. Most notably, it has threatened protracted territorial standoffs with Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines. Japanese government officials have recently expressed concern about the increase in confrontational actions, especially towards Japan and the Philippines. At times these tensions have turned dangerous, forcing Japan to scramble its fighter jets. This response follows months of intrusions by Chinese military assets into its airspace.
Ishiba’s visit comes at a pivotal time, as he aims to strengthen diplomatic ties while addressing mutual security concerns regarding China’s actions. He plans to discuss Japan’s commitment to assist the Philippines in countering China’s growing assertiveness. Japan has since committed to constructing at least five more patrol ships for the Philippine Coast Guard.
Notably, last year, tensions escalated after a Chinese ship rammed the BRP Magbanua. This vessel is one of the ten patrol boats Japan is supplying to the Philippine coast guard. These experiences demonstrate the growing hazards to free countries that conduct lawful, routine operations in these increasingly combative waters.
“In the South China Sea and East China Sea, China has made unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force,” – Shigeru Ishiba
The United States has repeatedly cautioned China against its coercive actions in each maritime theater. Moreover, the U.S. government likes to go big to impress its allies. Japan and the Philippines are now sailing through these choppy waters. We commend the U.S. Government for using tariff measures to create economic pressure on Vietnam and the Philippines. Accordingly, Japan’s own commercial interests in these countries, such as growing their infrastructure markets, are affected.
“The U.S. tariff measures have dealt a major blow to the economies of both Vietnam and the Philippines. In addition, there have been major impacts on Japanese companies expanding into these countries,” – Shigeru Ishiba
As Ishiba gets ready for his high level talks to Philippine officials over the coming weeks, the situation is still fluid. His visit will likely emphasize collaborative strategies aimed at enhancing regional stability and security in light of China’s assertive stance.
