The militarization in the Indo-Pacific is increasing day by day. In a recent move, the Philippines has invited India to join the ‘Squad’ alliance along with the US, Australia, and Japan. The aim is to counter China’s aggressive expansion in the South China Sea.
The chief of staff of the Philippine armed forces, General Romeo S. Brawner, highlighted China’s “illegal, coercive, and disruptive Grey Zone” tactics. Recently, China has built artificial islands, expanded its naval presence and threatened neighbouring countries with conducting military exercises in the region. Citing these reasons, the chief of staff requested India and South Korea to join the alliance to deter China in the South China Sea.
Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, a multilateral conference in New Delhi that concluded on 19th March, General Brawner said, “Together with Japan and our partners, we are trying to expand the Squad to include India and probably South Korea.”
China’s increasing presence in the Indo-Pacific
In New Delhi, top leaders from the Quad countries and the Philippines had regional security issues in discussion at the Raisina Dialogue.
General Brawner indicated China’s building of three artificial islands, with a 2.7-km runway equipped with air defence and missile systems on Mischief Reef. He cautioned, “Moving forward, it is our belief that they will take full control of the South China Sea.”
China maintains its claim on the South and East China Seas and the Taiwan Strait, frequently in violation of international law. Japan is responding to these threats by doubling its defence budget to enhance its war-fighting capabilities, said Japanese Chief of Joint Staff General Yoshihide Yoshida. The Philippines and Japan, both threatened by China’s expanding military presence, seek to counter Beijing and contain it, General Brawner added.
Role of ‘Squad’
Over a year ago, member states of the informal grouping Squad have conducted joint maritime activities in the South China Sea for over a year. General Brawner stated that the Philippines is trying best efforts to increase its deterrence capabilities by working with partners in the Squad. He clearly clarified the group as a collective effort focused on military aspects, intelligence sharing, joint exercises, and operations in the region.
Recently, the Philippines and China have engaged in escalating confrontations in the South China Sea. China unilaterally claims almost the entire South China Sea, disregarding international maritime law. The invitation to India and South Korea comes against the backdrop of this situation. The International courts ruled against China’s claims in 2016. However, Beijing has rejected the ruling and continues to oppose a rules-based global order. The South China Sea remains a crucial trade route, handling over $3 trillion in annual trade.
US and India’s Response to China’s Expansion
US Indo-Pacific Command Chief Admiral Samuel Paparo stressed the need for countries to create firm deterrence against the use of force. He said, “All countries that believe matters should not be settled by force should build and maintain a strong deterrence posture.”
Notably, China has recently become the world’s largest navy, with 370 warships and submarines. The dragon also maintains a permanent naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which includes dual-purpose research or intelligence-gathering vessels.
In the conference, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi stated that India is committed to ensuring a peaceful and stable IOR. He said, “A Navy that does not deploy does not deter. So, we have been deploying far and wide… We are quite capable of maintaining MDA (maritime domain awareness) in the IOR. We are aware of who is doing what, where, and how.”
Regional Situation Under Trump
India closely watches naval activities in the IOR, shares intelligence, and boosts partnerships with other nations. During the talks, former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed brought concerns about whether the new US administration under Donald Trump would remain committed to Indo-Pacific alliances. To which, General Brawner responded by saying, “We foresee an increase in support to the Indo-Pacific.” Admiral Paparo also added that the Trump administration has reaffirmed its commitment. Interestingly, one of its first meetings that happened after Trump’s return to the white house was with Quad foreign ministers.
Addressing on the sidelines of the summit, General Brawner said, “We find commonality with India because we have a common enemy. And I’m not afraid to say that China is our common enemy. So, it is important that we collaborate together, maybe exchange intelligence.”
