New Delhi: Indian touch and go with the new military group in forming the 'Squad' for dealing with China's growing influences in the South China Sea. The 'Squad' is now formed by Japan, Australia, the US, and the Philippines with their plan to soon include India and South Korea. The Squad, an Indo-Pacific alliance, densifies its influence in the area; this development proceeds.
General Romeo S. Brawner, Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, revealed the plan of expanding this informal grouping during a panel discussion at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. "In fact, the Philippines, Japan, and other 'Squad' members have conducted joint maritime operations for the past year in the South China Sea," said General Brawner. He further said that, through the initiative, the group seeks to counter activities by China regarding militarization and demonstration of sovereignty over crucial maritime trade routes in the region.
China claims almost the entire sea of the South China Sea, despite international maritime law to the contrary. This led to rising tensions with neighboring countries, the Philippines and Vietnam, among others. Over $3 trillion worth of annual trade passes through the region, making it one of the largest maritime zones worldwide.
General Brawner even added growing cooperation between the two nations on military and defense matters and expressed his intention to invite India into the 'Squad'. This is in line with the common denominator on both interests regarding aggression from China in the region. However, it is still unknown whether India has been formally approached on the matter or whether it was discussed at the later meetings with Indian defense officials.
[Source Credit: NDTV]
