Indo-Pacific Security: Philippines’ Role in a New Architecture | Blitz

Philippines Positioned to Lead Indo-Pacific Security Architecture

The Indo-Pacific region, a vast geographical expanse encompassing the Indian and Pacific Oceans, currently lacks a comprehensive collective security framework despite growing concerns over stability, and development. This was highlighted by the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007, who advocated for greater collaboration among nations in the region. Japan subsequently formalized this vision with a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” policy in 2016, emphasizing maritime stability, infrastructure development, and partnerships. More recently, in 2023, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida underscored the importance of promoting peace, addressing regional challenges, and fostering connectivity within the Indo-Pacific, with a focus on collaboration with India, the United States, Australia, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

While various groupings exist – including the Quadrilateral Strategic Dialogue (Quad), AUKUS, ASEAN, the East Asia Summit, the ASEAN Regional Forum, the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association – and bilateral alliances like those between the US, Japan, and the Philippines, these arrangements are seen as insufficient to address the region’s security needs. These groups, it is argued, lack the necessary military strength and do not fully represent the entire Indo-Pacific region.

The Quad, in particular, suffers from structural limitations. It operates without a formal structure, lacking a secretariat or headquarters, and tends to focus on “soft” issues like climate change, health, and technology. The member states have divergent priorities. Concerns have been raised about the commitment of the United States under the current administration, with reports suggesting a potential stepping back from the Quad. India, meanwhile, is primarily focused on its border conflict with China in the Himalayas.

the Philippines is emerging as a potentially crucial player in shaping a more robust Indo-Pacific security architecture. As the current chair of ASEAN, Manila is uniquely positioned to advocate for increased investment in regional security among its counterparts. The Philippines can also leverage its relationships with Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea – all dialogue partners within ASEAN – to garner support for the development of a comprehensive security framework.

The Philippines’ growing strategic partnerships further enhance its influence. Manila maintains strong ties with key actors within the Quad, including the United States, which has access to important military bases in the Philippines. A recent agreement between Manila and Tokyo allows for the sharing of fuel, food, and services between their armed forces. Last year, the Philippines also elevated its relationship with New Delhi to a strategic partnership.

There is optimism that the Philippines will take the necessary steps to construct an Indo-Pacific security architecture, and that key regional capitals will offer their support. A unified purpose – countering what is perceived as increasing territorial hostility from Beijing – is seen as essential for success. The need for a coordinated response to China’s actions is a driving force behind the push for a more formalized security structure in the Indo-Pacific region.