US, Japan, Philippines Summit Seeks to Strengthen Defense Ties Amid South China Sea

China criticizes the trilateral summit and joint military exercises, warning against creating confrontation in the region.

The first US-Japan-Philippines summit aims to strengthen defense ties amidst growing tensions in the South China Sea.
China reacts negatively to the trilateral summit and joint military exercises, accusing the involved countries of creating confrontation.
The summit agenda includes discussions on securing vital supplies, addressing North Korea's belligerence, and the Japanese takeover of US Steel.
Recent joint military exercises by the US, Japan, Philippines, and Australia in the South China Sea have heightened tensions with China.
The US moves to strengthen military alliances in the Indo-Pacific, with combat training in the Philippines and discussions on joint patrols.