Manila: Any action that promotes security is a 'step in the right direction,' Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon said Tuesday. Fajon made the remark when asked her opinion on the creation of an Asian version of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as a likely deterrence system in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, Fajon cited Slovenia's experience with its alliances, stating that membership in NATO had been Slovenia and Europe's 'best guarantee' for collective security. She emphasized that alliances providing security through peaceful dialogue and strengthening values are important. Fajon expressed her views during a joint press conference after meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo in Manila.
Manalo noted that there had been no formal discussions about the creation of an Asian NATO in regional meetings that the Philippines is part of. He mentioned that bilateral, trilateral, and minilateral partnerships are currently considered the most suitable for their needs. However, he acknowledged the dynamic nature of international relations, suggesting that situations could change.
Manalo further highlighted the current trend of countries focusing on establishing greater partnerships and arrangements for economic, political, and military activities. He mentioned that there hasn't been any formal discussion within organizations like ASEAN on a possible NATO-like alliance. He suggested that each region would need to identify the best type of arrangement to address security challenges effectively.
In a September 2024 article published by the Hudson Institute prior to his election, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru discussed the need for an Asian version of NATO. He cited Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a backdrop and expressed concerns about the absence of a collective self-defense system in Asia. Ishiba warned that without such a system, conflicts could arise due to the lack of mutual defense obligations.
Ishiba argued that creating an Asian version of NATO is essential to deter China with the support of Western allies. He acknowledged that this proposal cannot be realized overnight and emphasized Japan's focus on strengthening its alliance with the United States while building a network among allied and like-minded countries at multiple levels.
