It's time for a collective defense alliance in the Western Pacific

Philippines, Japan, US and Australia must upgrade 'Squad' to combat China threat

Avatar
2023-03-31 Phil US

U.S. and Philippine troops participate in a "Squad" exercise in the Philippines on March 31, 2023. © Reuters

Don McLain Gill is a Philippines-based geopolitical analyst, author and lecturer at the department of international studies, De La Salle University.

In a May 27 article in Foreign Policy, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense Ely Ratner suggested the creation of a "Pacific Defense Pact" between the U.S., Japan, the Philippines and Australia. He argued that such an alliance would be crucial given the threat China poses to the security architecture of the Western Pacific -- and for the Philippines, such an arrangement would benefit its long-term security interest.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.