JAKARTA, Indonesia – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan said that the leaders of the Philippines, Japan, and the United States have decided to work together to resolve and improve the status quo in the South China Sea.

In a statement from Japan's foreign ministry released on Thursday, the three foreign leaders had an "informal meeting" at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2023 gala dinner on Wednesday night.

For context, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel "Babe" Romualdez said on Tuesday that the United States, Japan, and the Philippines were supposed to have a trilateral meeting to discuss several areas of concern.

But the White House said on Wednesday evening that Marcos and Harris had a separate bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN Summits.

"Prime Minister Kishida exchanged views with President Marcos and Vice President Harris on the current situation surrounding the South China Sea, and concurred with them to jointly tackle unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan said.

"Prime Minister Kishida, President Marcos and Vice President Harris confirmed that the three countries would continue to promote the further strengthening of coordination among Japan, the U.S., and the Philippines in various ways," it added.

*Australia on SCS issue*

Meanwhile, Marcos Jr. thanked Australia for supporting the stance of the Philippines in the South China Sea.

"I welcome Australia's active engagement in maritime-related issues and concerns in the region," Marcos said during his intervention at the 3rd ASEAN-Australia Summit here.

"And we, the Philippines, thank Australia for expressing concern on the latest actions directed against the Philippines in the South China Sea. We join Australia on the call for peace, stability, and respect for the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS)," Marcos added.

He also thanked Australia for supporting the Philippines' hosting of the 12th ASEAN Maritime Forum and the 10th Expanded Maritime Forum held in Manila last December.

Marcos expressed confidence that the bloc's relations with Australia will deepen and further diversify to provide lasting positive gains for the present generation and beyond.