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The geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region is undergoing a significant transformation, driven primarily by China's assertive expansionist policies, particularly in the South China Sea. The Philippines, directly impacted by these actions, is actively seeking to bolster its security posture through enhanced regional cooperation. A key element of this strategy is advocating for India's inclusion in the 'Squad' alliance, currently comprising the United States, Australia, and Japan. This proposed expansion reflects a growing consensus among nations concerned about China's increasingly aggressive behavior and its disregard for international norms and maritime law. The 'Squad', while remaining an informal grouping, has demonstrated its value through joint maritime activities and intelligence sharing, serving as a deterrent against further Chinese expansionism. The Philippines views India as a crucial strategic partner in this endeavor, given India's substantial naval capabilities and its commitment to maintaining a peaceful and stable Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The call for India's inclusion highlights the interconnectedness of the Indo-Pacific's security architecture and the need for a united front to address China's challenges to the existing regional order. China's actions in the South China Sea, including the construction of artificial islands equipped with military infrastructure, have raised serious concerns about freedom of navigation, resource exploitation, and the overall balance of power in the region. These actions, deemed illegal by international tribunals, have been met with condemnation from various countries, including the Philippines, the United States, Japan, and Australia. The Philippines, in particular, has been at the forefront of challenging China's claims, even as it seeks to manage its relationship with Beijing through diplomatic channels. However, the persistent disregard for international law and the continued militarization of the South China Sea have prompted the Philippines to strengthen its alliances and seek new partnerships to enhance its defensive capabilities. The Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi provided a platform for senior military officials from the 'Squad' nations and the Philippines to discuss these regional security challenges and explore avenues for greater cooperation. General Romeo S. Brawner, chief of staff of the Philippine armed forces, articulated the Philippines' concerns about China's 'Grey Zone' tactics and emphasized the need for a collective response to deter further aggression. The inclusion of India and potentially South Korea in the 'Squad' would significantly enhance the alliance's capabilities and broaden its geographical reach, sending a strong signal to China that its actions will be met with a coordinated and resolute response. India's role in the Indo-Pacific is becoming increasingly prominent, driven by its economic growth, its strategic location, and its commitment to maintaining a rules-based order. India possesses a modern and capable navy, which plays a vital role in safeguarding its maritime interests and ensuring the security of sea lanes in the IOR. India's active participation in multilateral exercises and its willingness to share intelligence with other nations demonstrate its commitment to regional security. The inclusion of India in the 'Squad' would not only strengthen the alliance's military capabilities but also enhance its diplomatic influence and its ability to shape the regional security agenda. The United States, under successive administrations, has reaffirmed its commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and its support for its allies in the face of Chinese aggression. The US Indo-Pacific Command plays a crucial role in maintaining a strong deterrence posture and ensuring freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. The US has also been actively engaged in providing security assistance to countries like the Philippines to help them enhance their defensive capabilities. The Trump administration's initial engagement with Quad foreign ministers signaled a continued commitment to the alliance, despite concerns about potential shifts in US foreign policy. The growing convergence of interests among the United States, India, Japan, and Australia, along with other like-minded nations, suggests that the 'Squad' is likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific. The challenges posed by China's expansionist policies require a comprehensive and coordinated response, encompassing military, diplomatic, and economic dimensions. The 'Squad', with its diverse capabilities and its shared commitment to a rules-based order, is well-positioned to address these challenges and promote stability in the region. The Philippines' call for India's inclusion in the 'Squad' represents a significant step towards strengthening regional cooperation and deterring further Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. As China continues to assert its territorial claims and expand its military presence, the need for a united front to uphold international law and safeguard the interests of all nations in the Indo-Pacific becomes ever more pressing. The future of the region hinges on the ability of like-minded nations to work together to maintain a balance of power and ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for all.
China's assertive behavior in the South China Sea extends beyond the construction of artificial islands. It encompasses a range of activities, including harassment of fishing vessels, interference with oil and gas exploration, and the deployment of coast guard vessels to assert its claims. These actions have not only violated international law but have also undermined the livelihoods of fishermen and hindered economic development in the region. The Philippines, as a directly affected party, has consistently protested these actions and sought peaceful resolution through diplomatic channels and international legal mechanisms. However, China's persistent refusal to abide by the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling, which invalidated its sweeping claims in the South China Sea, has compelled the Philippines to seek alternative means of safeguarding its sovereign rights and maritime interests. The 'Squad' alliance provides a valuable platform for the Philippines to coordinate its security efforts with like-minded nations and to enhance its deterrence capabilities. Joint maritime exercises, intelligence sharing, and the exchange of best practices contribute to a stronger and more cohesive defense posture. The inclusion of India and South Korea in the 'Squad' would further amplify these benefits, creating a more formidable force to deter Chinese aggression. India's strategic location in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and its growing naval capabilities make it a crucial partner in maintaining regional security. India has consistently emphasized its commitment to freedom of navigation, peaceful resolution of disputes, and adherence to international law. Its active engagement in multilateral forums and its willingness to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief demonstrate its commitment to regional stability. The inclusion of India in the 'Squad' would not only strengthen the alliance's military capabilities but also enhance its diplomatic credibility and its ability to shape the regional security agenda. South Korea, as another key player in the Indo-Pacific, also possesses significant economic and military capabilities. Its close alliance with the United States and its commitment to democratic values make it a natural partner in the 'Squad'. The inclusion of South Korea would further diversify the alliance's capabilities and broaden its geographical reach, strengthening its overall deterrence posture. The United States, under President Biden, has reaffirmed its commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and its support for its allies in the face of Chinese aggression. The US Indo-Pacific Command plays a vital role in maintaining a strong deterrence posture and ensuring freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. The US has also been actively engaged in providing security assistance to countries like the Philippines to help them enhance their defensive capabilities. The growing convergence of interests among the United States, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and other like-minded nations suggests that the 'Squad' is likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific. The challenges posed by China's expansionist policies require a comprehensive and coordinated response, encompassing military, diplomatic, and economic dimensions. The 'Squad', with its diverse capabilities and its shared commitment to a rules-based order, is well-positioned to address these challenges and promote stability in the region.
Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed's concerns about the potential shift in US policy under a new administration highlight the uncertainties surrounding the Indo-Pacific's security landscape. However, Admiral Paparo's reassurance that the Trump administration has reaffirmed its commitment to the region provides some comfort to US allies and partners. The stability and predictability of US foreign policy are crucial for maintaining confidence and ensuring that the 'Squad' can continue to effectively address the challenges posed by China's expansionist policies. The Philippines' decision to actively seek closer ties with India reflects a broader trend among nations in the Indo-Pacific to diversify their partnerships and hedge against potential risks. By strengthening its relationships with India, Japan, Australia, and other like-minded nations, the Philippines is reducing its reliance on any single power and enhancing its resilience in the face of external pressures. This diversification strategy is particularly important for small and medium-sized states that may be vulnerable to coercion or intimidation by larger powers. The South China Sea remains a critical trade route, handling over $3 trillion in annual trade. Any disruption to freedom of navigation in the region would have significant consequences for the global economy. Therefore, maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea is not only in the interest of the directly affected parties but also in the interest of the international community as a whole. The 'Squad' plays a crucial role in safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that the South China Sea remains open to all. The challenges posed by China's expansionist policies are complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive and coordinated response. The 'Squad', with its diverse capabilities and its shared commitment to a rules-based order, is well-positioned to address these challenges and promote stability in the region. The Philippines' call for India's inclusion in the 'Squad' represents a significant step towards strengthening regional cooperation and deterring further Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. As China continues to assert its territorial claims and expand its military presence, the need for a united front to uphold international law and safeguard the interests of all nations in the Indo-Pacific becomes ever more pressing. The future of the region hinges on the ability of like-minded nations to work together to maintain a balance of power and ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for all. General Brawner's statement, 'We find commonality with India because we have a common enemy. And I'm not afraid to say that China is our common enemy,' encapsulates the shared concerns and strategic imperatives that are driving closer cooperation between the Philippines and India. This frank and honest assessment of the regional security landscape underscores the importance of building strong alliances and partnerships to deter aggression and uphold international law.