‘Opportunistic’: experts weigh Manila’s minilateral agenda ahead of Trump-Xi meeting

What happened: The Philippines is pushing stronger "minilateral" defence links and a more robust Asean security role ahead of a Trump-Xi meeting, with one analyst calling the move "opportunistic". Why it matters: Analysts are divided. Some see Manila's advocacy for the "Squad" alliance as a chance to deepen core security partnerships while chairing Asean, while others question the grouping's actual weight.

The Philippines is pushing stronger "minilateral" defence links and a more robust Asean security role ahead of a Trump-Xi meeting, with one analyst calling the move "opportunistic".

Analysts are divided. Some see Manila's advocacy for the "Squad" alliance as a chance to deepen core security partnerships while chairing Asean, while others question the grouping's actual weight.