Japan, the Philippines and the United States vowed to further deepen cooperation under a trilateral arrangement in the face of rising tensions in Asia's waters, the three countries said following a call among their leaders.

The Philippines has initiated a significant move to strengthen its coastal defense by installing Japanese-supplied radar systems which threatened China near the Batanes islands. These islands, located less than 200 kilometers from Taiwan,

China and Japan have stepped up engagement in recent months, but analysts say the trajectory of relations will largely come down to Tokyo's political situation and its ties with the incoming Donald Trump administration.

Since the election, China has flexed its military might in overt and covert ways, highlighting challenges for the US and its allies.