US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink attends a press conference in Phnom Penh on July 13, 2022. AFP file photo / TANG CHHIN Sothy
MANILA, Philippines — The United States is not inclined to enter a new four-country strategic security coalition, or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), with the Philippines, South Korea, and Japan.
US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink was asked on Wednesday if the global power is planning to soon establish a new Quad in East Asia based on its treaties with the three Indo-Pacific countries.
“I would say no,” Kritenbrink said in an online press briefing.
“We’re not looking to establish a new Quad. 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.
Kritenbrink, however, noted that the US could identify synergies with “like-minded partners” and scout means of informal cooperation.
“I think there may be opportunities in the future for such close allies as the US, Philippines, and Japan to look at ways that maybe we could expand our cooperation. Similarly, the US, the Philippines, and Australia may be able to do the same, as well,” he said.
Kritenbrink said this was among the points raised during the meeting of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday.
The US is a member of a Quad alliance with Australia, India, and Japan, which claims to primarily promote a free, open, prosperous, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
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