The Philippines’ dual push for stronger “minilateral” defence links and a more robust Asean security role is dividing analysts, with one calling the move “opportunistic”.
Some experts view Manila’s advocacy for the “Squad” alliance as a strategic opportunity to deepen core security partnerships while chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Others question how much actual weight is carried by this informal defence grouping – comprising the United States, the Philippines, Japan and Australia – which aims to counter China’s influence in the region.
They also caution that a flurry of US-led small-group diplomacy could undermine Asean’s centrality in a coming summit and leave Manila with less strategic leeway ahead of next month’s Trump-Xi talks.
In an exclusive interview with the South China Morning Post, Philippine ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez indicated that the Squad could meet on the sidelines of next month’s Asean summit in Manila.