‘US not establishing Quad in East Asia’

MANILA, Philippines — The United States is not establishing a new security mechanism, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad, in East Asia with the Philippines and two other treaty allies in the region.

US Department of State Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink said the US “is not looking to establish any new formal mechanisms in the Indo-Pacific at this point.”

“We’re not looking to establish a new Quad,” Kritenbrink said in a virtual press briefing on Wednesday. “I think what we are trying to do is, again, in every way possible demonstrate the strength and the credibility of America’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and to our allies, partners, and friends – including, of course, our treaty ally the Philippines.”

He said an important element of US engagement is identifying synergies between like-minded partners and exploring ways in which informal cooperation might be conducted on a trilateral or other basis.

“I think as both President Marcos and President Biden noted yesterday, I think there may be opportunities in the future for such close allies as the United States, Philippines, and Japan to look at ways that maybe we could expand our cooperation,” Kritenbrink added.

The Quad among Japan, the United States, India and Australia has operated as a meeting format for senior officials to discuss regional security issues. The alliance is seen as openly challenging China and designed to counter Beijing’s push across the Asia-Pacific region.

The US, Kritenbrink said, also remains committed to operating regularly in the South China Sea “so that we can demonstrate the principle that all countries should be able to and are able to fly, sail, and operate anywhere where international law allows.”

President Marcos, who is on an official visit to the US, and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the Philippines and the US will continue the fundamental work needed to modernize and strengthen the alliance between the two countries.

Marcos came to the Pentagon the day after meetings with US President Joe Biden at the White House. The Pentagon said the visit is happening at a historic moment in the alliance as the two militaries are deepening coordination and interoperability at all levels.

Defense leaders of the two countries discussed US support to Philippine defense modernization efforts and expanding operational cooperation in the maritime domain, including the South China Sea.