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.