Description: The US, Japan and the Philippines have agreed on extended cooperation in several areas including maritime security. The Presidents of the three countries had a conference call where maritime infrastructure projects and joint military exercises have been agreed upon. Japan’s President also confirmed his country’s support for the newly – elected US President Donald Trump as well as expressing his concerns over the transaction involving US Steel and Japan’s Nippon Steel.
Impact: With the expansion of maritime activities by China, especially towards Taiwan, the US and its allies are bolstering regional capacities with the aim of establishing a firmer foothold in the region. Although cooperation between the countries has been untethered, economic disputes between Japan and the US such as the multibillion-dollar Nippon Steel transaction could potentially muddy the waters in future joint endeavors. The global outreach and regional strengthening of resources and cooperation indicate potential Indo – Pacific unrest in the near future.