‘Opportunistic’: experts weigh Manila’s minilateral agenda ahead of Trump-Xi meeting
Philippine push for US-linked security ties alongside Asean chair duties triggers debate on regional unity and flexibility towards China
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”.
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.
