Quad confirmed, Manila envoy signals likely ‘Squad’ talks before Trump-Xi summit

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The Philippines’ ambassador to the United States signalled that the informal “Squad” grouping may meet ahead of ASEAN talks in Manila. Washington also confirmed a Quad leaders’ summit on the sidelines of the regional meetings, the grouping’s first in more than two years.

The Philippine ambassador to the United States signalled possible meetings of the “Squad” bloc ahead of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations gathering in Manila, as Washington confirmed that the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue would hold its first leaders’ summit in more than two years on the sidelines of the regional talks. An informal defence grouping, the “Squad” forms part of a US-led regional strategy to counter China’s growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region. It comprises the US...