Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. has called for South Korea to join the Indo-Pacific alliance known as the “Squad,” citing shared security interests in the region.
“Even if we say this is an informal security architecture, we believe that more countries joining this would be beneficial… to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order,” Brawner said.
The Squad, initiated by the United States, currently includes Australia, Japan, and the Philippines and aims to enhance regional stability and cooperation. When asked if the alliance was formed to counter China, Brawner emphasized that the focus is on strengthening defense capabilities, not targeting specific nations.
On February 5, the Philippines, US, Japan, and Australia conducted a joint military exercise in the West Philippine Sea, reinforcing their commitment to freedom of navigation and maritime security amid ongoing tensions with China.