Synopsis
The Philippines wants India to join the Squad alliance with the US, Australia, and Japan to counter China's tactics in the South China Sea. China is creating militarized artificial islands and asserting territorial control. Top military officers from the Quad countries and the Philippines discussed these challenges.
 |
In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, conventionally powered Chinese aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong carry out a dual aircraft carrier formation exercise for the first time in the South China Sea in late October 2024. |
The Philippines has urged India to join the 'Squad' alliance alongside the US, Australia, and Japan to counter China's aggressive expansion in the South China Sea. General Romeo S. Brawner, chief of staff of the Philippine armed forces, highlighted China's "illegal, coercive, and disruptive Grey Zone" tactics, including militarized artificial islands, and called for India and South Korea to be included in the alliance. "Together with Japan and our partners, we are trying to expand the Squad to include India and probably South Korea," General Brawner said at the Raisina Dialogue, a multilateral conference in New Delhi.
China’s Influence in the Indo-PacificDuring the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, senior military officials from the Quad nations and the Philippines discussed regional security challenges. General Brawner pointed to China's construction of three artificial islands, including a 2.7-km runway with air defense and missile systems on Mischief Reef. He warned, "Moving forward, it is our belief that they will take full control of the South China Sea."
China continues to assert its territorial claims in the South and East China Seas, as well as the Taiwan Strait, often in violation of international norms. In response, Japan is doubling its defense budget to enhance its war-fighting capabilities, said Japanese Chief of Joint Staff General Yoshihide Yoshida. The Philippines and Japan, which both face challenges from China's growing military presence, aim to counter Beijing and keep it in check, General Brawner added.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/troubled-by-beijing-philippines-wants-india-in-squad-to-counter-worlds-biggest-navy-in-south-china-sea/articleshow/119244325.cms?from=mdr
