The United States remains firmly committed to its 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines, as trilateral cooperation with Japan expands to address rising security and economic challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

US Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires Robert Ewing addressed members of the U.S.-Philippines Society and highlighted what he described as a “historic chapter” in trilateral relations among the Philippines, the United States, and Japan over the past year.

Ewing underscored Washington’s “ironclad” commitment to Philippine security under the Mutual Defense Treaty, stressing that Philippine concerns are U.S. concerns, particularly amid what he called China’s increasing aggression in the South China Sea.

“For 75 years, this alliance has only grown stronger,” Ewing said, emphasizing that credible deterrence remains a shared responsibility among allies committed to a free and secure Indo-Pacific.

Expanding military and maritime cooperation

Ewing cited strengthened defense cooperation during the 2025 ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, where Philippine, Japanese, and U.S. officials reaffirmed support for regional peace, stability, and freedom of navigation.

He pointed to expanding joint exercises, including a trilateral Coast Guard drill near Kagoshima involving 350 personnel responding to high-seas emergencies, as well as Balikatan 2025, which welcomed Japan as a participant.

He noted that joint interoperability continues to improve as these exercises grow in sophistication and scope.

Luzon economic corridor launched

Ewing stressed that economic security is as vital to trilateral cooperation as defense.The first Indo-Pacific business corridor within the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, the Luzon business Corridor, was launched by the three nations in April 2024. In order to improve connection and promote job growth, the program focuses on digital infrastructure, energy, and transportation.

He cited the U.S.-backed Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas freight railway and Japan’s North-South Commuter Railway as projects designed to strengthen supply chains and attract private investment.

“The Philippines’ economic growth is essential to a free and secure Indo-PacAdvancing Innovation, Energy, and TechnologyEneThe trilateral agenda also highlights technology cooperation. Ewing pointed to the opening of the University of the Philippines’ Open Radio Access Network Laboratory, developed with Japan to support secure telecommunications infrastructure.ations infrastructure.

The United States is also enhancing cyber defense capabilities and supporting workforce development for the Philippines’ civil nuclear program to address evolving cyber threats.

Ewing said sustaining momentum will require private sector investment, and expressed optimism about growth in liquefied natural gas, digital infrastructure, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and other key sectors.

“Collaborative, Aligned Action”Ewing concluded that trilateral cooperation is strong, results-driven, and positioned for even greater achievements.on.

“Our coordinated, group efforts are having a significant effect,” he stated. “We are still dedicated to fostering technological advancement, increasing interoperability, luring investment, and strengthening maritime cooperation.”

“The United States welcomes new partners who share our commitment to a safe and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” he continued.