Posted 4/9/2024, 2:20:00 AM
US, Japan and Philippines form united front amid Taiwan tensions and maritime disputes with China
- China's perceived threat has united the US, Japan, and the Philippines, with a focus on potential Taiwan conflict
- All three countries have defense treaties with the US and vital security interests in the seas around Taiwan
- Japan and the Philippines have separate territorial disputes with China in the East China Sea and South China Sea
- Despite a complex history, the Philippines sees alliance with US and Japan as practical for countering China
- The US is building a "lattice" of alliances in the region to withstand leadership changes rather than bilateral "hub-and-spoke" ties