US Secures Ties With Japan, Philippines Ahead of Trump Return

(Bloomberg) -- The US secured ties with key Asian allies Japan and the Philippines ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House, with President Joe Biden expressing optimism that a trilateral alliance will continue.

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Biden on Monday held a virtual meeting with Japan Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., where they pledged to sustain economic, maritime and technology cooperation.

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“I’m optimistic that my successor will also see the value of continuing this partnership, and that it is framed the right way,” Biden was quoted as saying by a statement from Marcos’ communications office.

Read: Biden Vows to Back Japan and Philippines as China Jolts Allies

At the same meeting, Ishiba told Biden to address concerns over Washington’s move to halt Nippon Steel’s $14.1 billion takeover of US Steel, according to Kyodo News.

Biden also commended Marcos for his diplomatic response to China’s “coercive” activities in the South China Sea, according to the Philippines’ statement.

The US under Biden has bolstered ties with Tokyo and Manila, seeking to counter an increasingly assertive China. The future of these alliances is however up in the air, as Trump’s return to the White House later this month could shake up geopolitical relations across the globe.

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