"U.S. Bolsters Commitment to Indo-Pacific Allies Amid Global Partnerships"

President Biden reaffirmed the US defense commitment to Japan and the Philippines during a trilateral summit at the White House, emphasizing that any attack on Philippine forces in the South China Sea would invoke the mutual defense treaty. The meeting aimed to counter China's "intimidation" in the region, with concerns raised about Chinese military actions in the Indo-Pacific, including skirmishes in the South China Sea and near Japanese-controlled islands. The summit also included one-on-one talks with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida and a private meeting with Philippine President Marcos Jr.