US, Japan, Philippines strike deals on defense, investment at leaders' summit
Joe Biden and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. unveiled a wide range of agreements to enhance security and economic ties during meetings held at the White House this week.
Here are some of the most notable:
MILITARY UPGRADE
Japan and the U.S. announced plans to upgrade their military alliance, including the U.S. military command in Japan and more joint development of defense equipment.
A joint summit statement said new military command-and-control frameworks would enable greater interoperability and planning in peacetime and during contingencies.
They also announced their intent to upgrade defense communications networks and to network air defense capabilities between the U.S., Australia and Japan to counter air and missile threats.
The defense plans will see the two sides establish a forum to identify areas for co-development and co-production of missiles and maintenance of U.S. warships and aircraft.
They will also establish a working group for fighter pilot training, including AI and advanced simulators, and co-development and co-production of jet trainers.
AUKUS, SOUTH CHINA SEA
Biden's meeting with Kishida addressed Japan's possible involvement in advanced capabilities projects of the AUKUS security pact. The U.S., Britain and Australia formed AUKUS in 2021 to push back against China's growing influence.
A joint summit statement said the existing three AUKUS partners were considering cooperation with Japan in part of the plan that
