The Filipino Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdo, recently discussed the concept of establishing an 'ASEAN version of NATO' during an interview with The South China Morning Post. He expressed the hope that ASEAN will not only achieve economic integration in the future, but also strengthen its integration in defense and military fields.
"I even hope ASEAN can become like NATO, capable of safeguarding its own security." The Nanhu Daily reported on August 22nd, quoting Ro Mu'yardelis saying that ASEAN nations are located in the same region and establishing a unified safety mechanism will be more efficient. At that time, they could also reach agreements with countries such as China and the US together as a whole."
This is not the first time the Philippines has mentioned such proposals. In November 2024, Philippine Defense Minister Teodoro denied this idea, arguing that there are complex differences in interests among ASEAN countries, making it difficult to establish a unified military alliance.
Meanwhile, the Philippines is promoting the further development of the regional security cooperation mechanism led by the United States. Romualdo revealed that the Quad, a defense cooperation mechanism consisting of the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines, may hold meetings during the ASEAN summit next month. Sources familiar with the matter said that the possibility of holding such meetings is “very high,” but the specific arrangements have not yet been finalized.
On the other side, US Secretary of State Robert Rubio confirmed on the 20th that the leaders of the U.S-, Japan-India-Australia ‘Quad’ initiative will meet during the ASEAN summit in Manila next month. The exact date has not yet been determined. This will be the first time that the mechanism has held a leaders’ summit in over two years.
