On June 2, 2026, Hong Kong media outlet Hong Kong 01 reported that as U.S.-China relations reach a turning point seeking mutual respect, neighboring countries such as Japan and the Philippines are further strengthening their tough stance toward China.

The article reported that U.S. Secretary of Defense Peter Brian Hegseth stated at the Asian Security Conference that both the U.S. and China are at a stage where they recognize and respect each other's capabilities.

Furthermore, the article stated that Japan, which was expected to follow the U.S.'s softening stance, has seen its defense budget exceed 9 trillion yen, and its military procurement spending has tripled compared to five years ago. It also reported that under the Takaichi administration, Japan is promoting the deployment of medium- to long-range missiles, the lifting of the ban on weapons exports, constitutional revision, and the revision of the three security documents.

Additionally, it pointed out that the Philippines, along with Japan, is maintaining a tough stance toward China, and mentioned that in May, the leaders of Japan and the Philippines declared the start of negotiations for delimiting boundaries, including the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) in the waters east of Taiwan Island. It stated that if Japan's claims are accepted, China's 450,000 square kilometers of maritime interests would "be encroached upon by Japan."

Furthermore, it reported that Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro claimed that while countries would respect each other if bilateral defense capabilities were balanced (like between the U.S. and China), the Philippines is facing a serious threat from China. It argued that Japan and the Philippines are deepening their military alliance and building a strategic encirclement that integrates the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and the Western Pacific.

The article, on the other hand, reported that Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam visited four countries—China, Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines—within a month, and emphasized a policy of independence and self-reliance, not leaning toward any specific great power.

It also touched upon Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing's choice of India, not China, for his first overseas trip after taking office, and introduced this as a contrast, showing an attitude that there are options other than China, against the backdrop of being the world's fourth-largest producer of rare earths. (Edited and Translated by Kawajiri)

🇻🇳🇵🇭 Philippine President @bongbongmarcos and his spouse hosted a banquet today for Party General Secretary & President of Việt Nam Tô Lâm, his spouse and a high-level Vietnamese delegation, who are on a state visit to the Philippines.
📸 VNA/VNS Photos Thống Nhất pic.twitter.com/U568JtQOh1

— Việt Nam News (@VietnamNewsVNS) June 1, 2026