Latest news with #MutualDefenseTreaty
The Diplomat
a day ago
- Business
- The Diplomat
South Korea's Indo-Pacific Role Under Discussion in US Trade Talks
U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jack Love, U.S. Forces Korea Senior Enlisted Advisor (right), along with U.S and ROK senior leaders pose inside an AAVP-7A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicle during the Ulchi Freedom Shield Battlefield Circulation, Aug. 22, 2024. Last week, Chosun Ilbo reported that the United States had formally asked South Korea to broaden the scope of the United States-Republic of Korea (ROK) Mutual Defense Treaty's Article III to cover the wider Indo-Pacific region. Today, Hankook Ilbo reported that the push to expand the role of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) across the Indo-Pacific under the so-called 'alliance modernization' framework is now a part of the bilateral tariff talks between the two countries. The request to reframe the South Korea-U.S. alliance as a 'comprehensive strategic partnership for the future' was made by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in Tokyo on July 18. This would presumably include a role for South Korea in a China-U.S. conflict, such as a crisis in the Taiwan Strait. Landau also raised issues such as increasing South Korean defense spending (reportedly from 2.3 percent of GDP to 5 percent of GDP) and greater cost-sharing for deployment of U.S. strategic assets in the region. These discussions echo meetings that U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Kevin Kim held in Seoul on July 10-11. Such developments align with the Pentagon's Interim National Defense Strategic Guidance from March, and what is expected from the full National Defense Strategy (NDS) and Global Posture Review (GPR) later this year: an assertion that deterring a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is the United States' top priority. The United States has also pressed Japan and Australia for clarity on what they would do in a Taiwan Strait contingency and clarified with the Philippines that their mutual defense pact 'extends to armed attacks on our armed forces, aircraft or public vessels, including our Coast Guard, anywhere in the Pacific, including the South China Sea.' While all countries prefer to maintain strategic ambiguity over Taiwan to not upset China (South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has previously expressed reluctance to involve South Korea in a Taiwan-related security issue), South Korea is different from Japan and Australia. South Korea faces a direct threat from a different source: North Korea. For Seoul, USFK has always been about addressing the threat from North Korea. Thus, South Korea has been reluctant to embrace the 'one theater' concept that Japan champions, which integrates the Korean Peninsula with the East and South China Seas. The United States, Australia, and the Philippines reportedly support this concept, while South Korea understands the risk that such a structure could take away U.S. resources from deterring and if needed, defeating North Korea. However, with the deadline for trade talks looming on August 1, South Korea has sought trade concessions, including on tariffs and non-trade barriers, in return for accepting the U.S. request to recalibrate the USFK's strategic posture. Alliance modernization is a broader issue that also encompasses increased defense spending and expanded cooperation in the defense industry; the topic cannot be fully settled in the current round of trade talks. Still, a senior official from South Korea stated, 'We're asking the U.S. to show flexibility in trade in proportion to our security contributions.' The purpose of the South Korea-U.S. alliance in an era of increasing China-U.S. competition has already been under debate, and the ongoing deliberations will affect topics such as wartime operational control and extended nuclear deterrence. Throughout this, it is important not to antagonize China. It is also vital for U.S. officials to '[bring] South Korea into the process early and often' to not politicize the changes. As the deadline for the trade talks fast approaches, it will be interesting to see whether tying economics and security will make it easier or more difficult for Lee to sell the changes in the nature of the alliance to the South Korean public. Lee's success will, of course, hinge on the U.S. reception of the South Korean overture.
Filipino Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Trump to Visit Manila for 2026 ASEAN Summit
United States President Donald Trump has confirmed his attendance at the 44th ASEAN Summit to be hosted by the Philippines in 2026, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez revealed in an interview with NewsWatch Plus. The commitment came during a conversation between the two following an official luncheon held in Washington as part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recent visit to the United States. Romualdez recalled asking Trump directly if he would attend the summit in Manila. 'Yes, I will definitely go,' Trump reportedly replied, according to the ambassador. Trump had previously stated in the Oval Office during a media engagement, 'If I'm invited, I'll go.' President Marcos formally extended the invitation, solidifying expectations that Trump will visit the country as part of the summit. The Philippines is set to host the 44th ASEAN Summit in 2026, which will coincide with two major milestones in PH-U.S. relations—the 80th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 75th year of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT). The high-level summit will serve as a platform to strengthen regional cooperation and reaffirm longstanding alliances among member states and key partners like the United States. In his arrival statement from Washington, President Marcos described Trump's anticipated visit as a 'reaffirmation of our historic alliance.' He emphasized the importance of U.S.-Philippine relations, noting that the Mutual Defense Treaty remains a key pillar of the country's security framework. 'The United States is our oldest and only treaty ally,' Marcos said. 'This visit and summit will mark another chapter in our shared strategic interests.' Ask ChatGPT
Newsweek
6 days ago
- General
- Newsweek
Chinese Ships Detected Near Coast of US Ally
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China's coast guard has been occupying waters off the coast of the Philippines' largest islands, carrying out patrols that could further inflame territorial Beijing-Manila tensions. Newsweek has reached out to the Philippine coast guard and Chinese foreign ministry via email for comment outside of office hours. Why It Matters Beijing claims jurisdiction over most of the South China Sea, alleging historical rights. It regularly deploys its coast guard in what analysts have called a bid to normalize China's presence in neighboring countries' maritime zones. The Philippines has mounted the stiffest pushback, with confrontations between the two countries' coast guards raising concerns a misunderstanding could trigger Manila's Mutual Defense Treaty with Washington and spark a greater power conflict. China Coast Guard vessel conducts a patrol on October 14, 2024, in Sansha, Hainan province. China Coast Guard vessel conducts a patrol on October 14, 2024, in Sansha, Hainan province. Wang Jiang/Associated Press What To Know A Chinese coast guard cutter with hull number 3304 was observed just 50 nautical miles (57.5 miles) off the west coast of Luzon on Wednesday morning, according to ship-tracking data shared on X by Ray Powell, director of the Stanford University-affiliated maritime analysis group SeaLight. Meanwhile, a second vessel, China Coast Guard 5306, was spotted near Half Moon Shoal, roughly 50 nautical miles from Palawan, the country's westernmost major island. Both ships were more than 900 miles from China's southernmost province of Hainan and within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, an area extending 200 nautical miles from territorial waters in which the Philippines alone is entitled to explore and manage natural resources under international maritime law. Powell contrasted what he described as the "intrusive" Chinese patrols with the activities of their Philippine counterparts, who were engaged in relief efforts as tropical storm Francisco brought mudflows and flooding to Luzon, including parts of Manila, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate. Since taking office in 2022, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has stepped up the country's challenge to Chinese activities within the exclusive economic zone, including efforts to run Chinese blockades around hotspots like the Spratly Islands' Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippines maintains a small military garrison aboard a grounded former warship. While tensions have eased somewhat on the matter of Second Thomas Shoal since a fierce clash in June 2024 that resulted in several Philippine injuries, Chinese coast guard ships have been observed sailing further east—though rarely as close as the recent approach by cutter 3304. China has called on the Philippines to return to bilateral dialogue and accused Manila of acting as a pawn in U.S. efforts to contain its rise. July 12 marked the ninth anniversary of a Hague-based arbitral tribunal's decision that largely rejected China's expansive claims over the South China Sea. Beijing did not participate in the proceedings and maintains the ruling is invalid and politically motivated. What's Next China is likely to continue deploying maritime forces into the Philippine EEZ, but it remains to be seen where Manila will draw the line and what will be the threshold for further escalation.
GMA Network
6 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Marcos: PH-US reaffirm alliance on economy, security after visit
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday that he, US President Donald Trump, and other key American officials had 'productive discussions' during his three-day official visit as Manila and Washington, D.C. reaffirmed their commitments. 'We've reaffirmed our mutual commitment to further strengthening our long-standing alliance and growing our economies for the benefit of the people and in pursuit of our national interests,' said Marcos in a statement following his arrival on Wednesday evening. 'We exchange views on key regional and international security issues, focusing on how the two countries could cooperate and contribute towards addressing common challenges and priorities.' Security Marcos said he and Trump reaffirmed the two countries' 'ironclad commitment' to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty amid growing tension in the Indo-Pacific region. 'I thank the United States for its consistent support for the preservation of regional peace and stability and for upholding the rule of law in the South China Sea,' said Marcos. 'We discussed enhanced cooperation on cybersecurity, energy supply, resilience and critical infrastructure. I underscored the importance of our multilateral engagement, especially with neighboring countries to continue to reinforce the network of common alliances in the region,' he added. Economy Marcos also welcomed the US government's pledge of an additional $15 million for private sector development under the Luzon Economic Corridor Initiative and an additional $48 million in foreign assisted projects. 'We will continue to work with the State Department as well with the US Congress for the implementation of these programs,' he said. 'I conveyed to President Trump that we remain positive about the future of Philippine-US trade, including investment relations, especially in the context of economic security and a fair, balanced reciprocal trade. We expressed our commitment to continue engaging his team to further bolster Philippine-US ties and strengthen Philippines economic security.' Marcos also met with business leaders and top executives of leading global investment, healthcare, infrastructure, and semiconductor companies. 'We return to the Philippines with over $21 billion in investment pledges that have the potential to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Filipinos within our country,' he shared. Further, Marcos was also welcomed by Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio, and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in different meetings where they discussed maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific region. Following his visit, Marcos also expressed his intent to host Trump next year to attend the ASEAN Summit in Manila, which also coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Philippines and US diplomatic relations and the 75 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty. 'The United States is our oldest and only treaty ally, and my visit to meet the new president is important in advancing our historic and dynamic cooperation, mutual respect and shared strategic interests,' the Philippine leader said. Relief efforts Moreover, Marcos thanked the US government for its assistance to the Philippines in relief efforts as most parts of the country are affected by the heavy downpour and flooding due to the Southwest Monsoon. 'Finally, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the US government and its people, not only for their warm hospitality during my short visit, but also for extending support to our response efforts in aiding communities and areas affected by the Southwest Monsoon,' he said. 'Sa gitna ng kalidad, inuuna ng inyong pamahalaan ang kaligtasan, kalusugan at kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino. Patuloy ang ating pagtugon sa epekto ng malakas na pag-ulan at pagbaha dulot ng Habagat sa iba't-ibang panig ng bansa,' Marcos added. (In the middle of calamity, your government prioritizes the safety, health and welfare of every Filipino. Our efforts to respond to the heavy rain and flooding caused by the Habagat in different parts of the country will continue.) — RF, GMA Integrated News
Kuwait Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Trump confident US to reach trade deal with the Philippines
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump voiced confidence Tuesday at reaching a trade deal with the Philippines to ease his threatened tariffs as he welcomed his counterpart Ferdinand Marcos to the White House. 'We're very close to finishing a trade deal. A big trade deal, actually,' Trump said as he met Marcos in the Oval Office. 'He's a very tough negotiator. So far we're not there because he's negotiating too tough,' Trump said. But Trump, in response to questions, said he believed the two countries would ultimately reach an agreement. 'We'll probably agree on something,' Trump said in an appearance in which he spent much of his time attacking predecessors Joe Biden and Barack Obama. The Philippines, a former US colony and longtime ally, was among countries confronted by Trump with letters this month warning of 20 percent tariffs on all their goods coming into the United States as of Aug 1 – up from a previous threat of 17 percent. The trade rift comes despite increasingly close defense relations between the United States and the Philippines, which has seen high tensions with China. The United States last year under Biden deployed ground-launched missiles in the Philippines. Washington has also eyed ammunition manufacturing in the Philippines, despite the closure in 1992 of the US naval base at Subic Bay due to heavy public pressure. 'All of what we consider part of the modernization of the Philippine military is really a response to the circumstances that surround the situation in the South China Sea,' Marcos said. 'We are essentially concerned with the defense of our territory and the exercise of our sovereign rights,' he said. 'Our strongest, closest, most reliable ally has always been the United States.' China and the Philippines have engaged in a series of confrontations in the contested waters, which Beijing claims almost entirely, despite an international ruling that the assertion has no legal basis. Trump has frequently questioned Western allies over their military spending, pondering why the United States should defend them in the NATO alliance. He has voiced fewer doubts about the Philippines. Both Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in meetings with Marcos on Monday vowed to honor the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the Southeast Asian nation. The Trump administration has identified China as the top US adversary but Trump himself has also boasted of his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Speaking alongside Marcos, Trump said he would 'probably' visit China at Xi's invitation 'in the not-too-distant future'. He said of Marcos, 'I don't mind if he gets along with China very well, because we're getting along with China very well.' Trump at the same time said the Philippines had been 'maybe tilting toward China' and 'we untilted it very, very quickly'. 'I just don't think that would have been good for you,' Trump said of the former tilt. Trump credited his own efforts and faulted Biden, although he appeared to be referring to a shift in the Philippines since the 2022 election of Marcos, who also worked closely with the Biden administration. Marcos's predecessor Rodrigo Duterte had flirted with closer relations with China and bristled at US criticism over human rights under Biden and Obama. Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court over a sweeping campaign against drug users and dealers that rights groups say killed thousands. – AFP
