Why are Japan and the U.S. so upset about the peace and prosperity in SCS and bilateral talk between the Philippines and China?

Japan and the United States are concerned about the situation in the South China Sea (SCS) and the bilateral talks between the Philippines and China for several reasons:

Strategic Interests and Regional Stability

• The SCS is a critical maritime trade route, with a significant portion of global trade passing through it. Any instability or conflict in the region could disrupt these trade routes, affecting the economic interests of many countries, including Japan and the U.S.135.

Chinese Coercive Behavior

• China's assertive and sometimes coercive behavior in the SCS, including territorial claims and the presence of military and fishing vessels, is seen as a challenge to the rules-based international order and freedom of navigation. This behavior is viewed as part of a broader pattern of Chinese revisionism that threatens regional stability4.

Alliance Commitments

• The U.S. has a long-standing alliance with the Philippines, and supporting the Philippines in its disputes with China is seen as crucial for maintaining U.S. alliance credibility in the region. Similarly, Japan views the SCS as part of a connected theater with the East China Sea, where Japanese interests are also at stake4.

Security and Naval Buildup

• The buildup of naval military power by China and other countries in the region is a significant security concern. The SCS has become a test case for Sino-American relations and regional security dynamics, with the potential to impact future relations with China and the stability of the Asia-Pacific region5.

Code of Conduct and Enforcement

• There are doubts about the effectiveness of any potential Code of Conduct (COC) for the SCS, particularly regarding its enforcement. The absence of a robust and legally binding COC leaves room for continued tensions and conflicts, which is a concern for both Japan and the U.S.5.

In summary, Japan and the U.S. are upset because the situation in the SCS directly impacts their strategic, economic, and security interests, and they are wary of China's increasing assertiveness and its implications for regional stability and the global order.