Marcos Jr. meets with US, Japan, Australia ministers

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. held separate meetings with United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. During his meeting with Secretary Blinken, President Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the "deep ties" between the two allies, discussing key issues including the situation in the South China Sea and artificial intelligence (AI). This meeting occurred in the context of rising regional tensions, following an incident where the Chinese Coast Guard injured a Philippine Navy personnel at Ayungin Shoal. The US emphasized the need to enhance cooperation to support regional peace, stability, and prosperity. President Marcos Jr. remarked on strengthening the US-Philippines relationship, stating, "Especially so, Mr. Secretary, as we are living the curse of ‘may you live in interesting times,’" referencing the process of ASEAN lessons learned during the pandemic. He expressed gratitude for the continued support from the United States, particularly on the economic front. Discussions also touched upon 'Pax Silica,' an initiative by the US State Department focused on AI and supply chain security, with expectations that building an industrial hub in the Luzon Economic Corridor will boost the Philippine economy. However, concerns have been raised by some sectors regarding potential security threats, foreign control of critical minerals, environmental impacts, water supply disruptions, and displacement of local residents. Discussions with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi and Australian Foreign Minister Wong also covered regional and international issues, including the South China Sea situation. These meetings took place during their visit to the Philippines for the ASEAN-related foreign ministers' meetings. Source: Philstar Nation