“Host talks, not bases.” With this statement, a Philippine senator advocated for the country’s entry into BRICS, arguing that membership would strengthen its neutrality and reinforce its role in promoting a multipolar world.
However, the proposal has sparked intense debate. Critics warn that deepening ties with BRICS—where China plays a leading role—could undermine Manila’s position in its ongoing territorial dispute over the South China Sea.
As the Philippines weighs its geopolitical options, could BRICS membership offer strategic benefits, or does it pose new risks?
Read more in the South China Morning Post here.
