Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque reported on a press briefing that Duterte will meet with his Cabinet to discuss the alliance, as he is concerned that the agreement will trigger a nuclear arms race in the region.

Duterte will debate the issue with his government team and will come out with a clear position after that meeting, Roque said.

Experts deem the AUKUS alliance is primarily aimed at countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific, specifically in the South China Sea.

The deal also seeks to provide Australia with the technology to build nuclear-powered submarines, a partnership denounced by Beijing because of the risks of intensifying the arms race and undermining international nonproliferation efforts.

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