First U.S.-Japan-Philippines trilateral to address China's 'gray zone' tactics

Leaders seek to deepen economic ties as Beijing tests American treaty commitments

A Chinese coast guard ship fires water at a Philippine resupply vessel as it approaches the Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea on March 23. (Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP)

KEN MORIYASU and RAMON ROYANDOYAN, Nikkei staff writers

April 1, 2024 01:00 JST

WASHINGTON/MANILA -- U.S. President Joe Biden will add to his collection of "minilateral" gatherings of allies and partners when he hosts Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Washington on April 11 for their first trilateral summit.

Unlike the Quad grouping of the U.S., Japan, India and Australia -- and unlike the AUKUS security partnership of the Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. -- the new trilateral does not have an announced name or acronym.