Quad leaders' summit confirmed; Manila signals 'Squad' talks ahead of ASEAN

Washington confirmed the Quad's first leaders' summit in over two years will occur on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in Manila, while the Philippine ambassador signaled possible 'Squad' bloc talks. This indicates a US-led effort to bolster regional security architecture against China's influence, with the 'Squad' as an informal defense grouping. The timing ahead of a potential Trump-Xi summit adds strategic significance.

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