Philippines wins breakthrough at summit with Japan, U.S., experts say

TOKYO/MANILA -- Soon after a trilateral summit at the White House, the Philippine coast guard welcomed the resulting "positive endeavor" in maritime security with Japan and the U.S., with some experts asserting Manila has left itself room to improve relations with Beijing regarding longstanding tensions in the South China Sea.

"The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has welcomed the recent announcement during the trilateral summit between the Philippines, Japan, and the U.S., specifically on the establishment of a trilateral maritime dialogue to enhance coordination and collective responses to promote maritime cooperation," the PCG said in a statement released Friday afternoon.