In the flurry of strong criticisms from Association of Southeast Asian (Asean) leaders of the formation of the tripartite military alliance among Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States (Aukus), the published reaction of Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. cannot but impact as a blast of pungent air in an efflorescence of sweet aroma.

Indonesia and Malaysia saw the imminent danger of an "arms race" to come about once the alliance sets its motions going. Malaysia took the immediate step of announcing a mission to China to consult on the matter. Asean respected statesman Mahathir Mohamad blasted Australia: "You have escalated the threat." Thailand's renowned writer Kavi Chongkittavorn declared, "Bangkok views the latest US move as a destabilizing factor."

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