"Philippines President Pushes for South China Sea Cooperation Amid Chinese Island Dispute"

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the upcoming trilateral summit with the U.S. and Japan will focus on maintaining security and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, while also aiming to strengthen economic ties. The summit will cover areas such as infrastructure, semiconductors, cyber security, critical minerals, renewable energy, and defense and maritime cooperation. Marcos emphasized the importance of peace and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, as the Philippines deepens military ties with the U.S. and Japan amid escalating maritime tensions with China. Additionally, Marcos denied the existence of a reported "gentleman's agreement" with Beijing regarding the Second Thomas Shoal, expressing concern over compromising the Philippines' territory and sovereignty.