The Philippines is advocating for India’s participation in the Quad to counter China’s naval dominance in the South China Sea. Discussions highlighted China’s military expansions, and regional responses involve bolstering defenses, enhancing maritime cooperation, and maintaining a united front against territorial aggressions. Prominent military leaders call for collaborative strategies to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific.

The Philippines is seeking India’s involvement in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) to better respond to China’s naval activities in the South China Sea. During a recent discussion at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, military officials from the Quad and the Philippines addressed the growing regional security challenges posed by China’s increasing military assertiveness, specifically highlighting the construction of artificial islands by China. General Brawner warned of a potential complete takeover of the South China Sea by Chinese forces.

China’s territorial claims in the South and East China Seas, alongside tensions in the Taiwan Strait, have prompted countries like Japan to bolster their defense budgets. General Yoshida of Japan stated that efforts are being made to enhance the nation’s war-fighting capabilities as a counter to China’s military expansion. Both the Philippines and Japan are actively collaborating to mitigate the threats posed by China’s growing presence in these regions.

The Quad, while still an informal alliance, has engaged in maritime operations within the South China Sea for over a year. General Brawner emphasized the Philippine commitment to strengthening its deterrence measures through cooperative efforts within the group, which encompass military collaboration, intelligence sharing, and joint exercises. The invitation for India and South Korea to participate arises amidst increasing tensions between Manila and Beijing over territorial disputes.

The United States and India are responsive to China’s naval buildup, with Admiral Paparo from US Indo-Pacific Command emphasizing the essential need for nations to adopt strong deterrent measures. He remarked that countries opposing the use of force must develop robust deterrence postures. In contrast, India maintains a proactive naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), as asserted by Navy Chief Admiral Tripathi, who reaffirmed India’s commitment to maritime stability and awareness in the region.

Amid concerns regarding the US’s commitment to its Indo-Pacific alliances under the Trump administration, General Brawner expressed confidence in increased support for the region. He emphasized the common interests shared with India in countering China’s aggressions. “We find commonality with India because we have a common enemy … So, it is important that we collaborate together, maybe exchange intelligence,” he remarked, underscoring the collaborative spirit among the involved nations.

In summary, the Philippine initiative to include India in the Quad is a strategic move to enhance regional security against China’s growing influence in the South China Sea. Military leaders emphasize the necessity of collaborative defense measures among Quad nations, particularly in intelligence sharing and joint operations. As tensions escalate, the involvement of India and South Korea could bolster the alliance’s deterrent capabilities against Chinese maritime aggression, promoting stability in the region.

Original Source: m.economictimes.com

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