Modi and Biden’s New Asia

Source– The post is based on the article “Modi and Biden’s New Asia” published in “The Indian Express” on 7th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- International relations

Relevance- Issues related to changing global dynamics between major powers

News– 20th edition of annual Shangri-La Dialogue was concluded in Singapore over the weekend, to capture the shifting strategic trends in Asia.

What are the key highlights of this year’s Shangri-La dialogue?

This year’s SLD highlighted the deepening tensions between the US and China.

The US wants to resume high-level talks with China. It wants to focus on confidence-building measures to prevent the tensions from escalating into a hot war.

China is unwilling to accept the US terms of engagement. China sees the Biden administration’s persistent call for high-level dialogue as a trap.

The two ministers outlined their competing visions of regional security. Austin insisted that the US does not seek conflict or confrontation but will not tolerate bullying or coercion.

Chinese defence minister Li insisted that he was not against dialogue, but the US must create the right conditions. Li also accused the US of “double talk”.

Li is blaming America for the growing regional tensions. He warned against the resurgent “cold war mentality”. He demanded that mutual respect should prevail over bullying and hegemony.

Many Asian heads have criticised US actions but are silent on China’s deeds. There is a reluctance in the Asian countries to jeopardise the deep economic relationship with Beijing. There is a deliberate effort to avoid politically offending China.

Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese outlined Canberra’s strategy of engagement with China while standing up to Beijing’s military bullying.

Canada too is ready to join the geopolitical game in the Indo-Pacific. The Canadian defence minister has promised to ramp up Canada’s military presence in the Indo-Pacific.

What is progress made by the US Indo-Pacific strategy?

Many Asian nations have stepped up political and military engagement with the US. Chinese warnings against such cooperation with the US are having very little deterrent effect.

Top officials of the Biden administration have made frequent trips to the region to rebuild old alliances, develop new coalitions, and demonstrate the political will to confront China.

The US is taking measures to control technology exports to China. It has growing military support for Taiwan.

Washington is finding it difficult to convince Europe, which is deeply tied to the China market. But, NATO is now raising its game in Asia. Japan has taken the lead in drawing Europe into Asian security and South Korea is ready to join hands.

In the two and a half years, Washington has elevated the Quad to the summit level. It has unveiled the AUKUS alliance, launched trilateral coordination with Seoul and Tokyo,

It has unveiled a local quad – “along with Australia, Japan, and the Philippines” to counter the Chinese military pressures against Manila.

The US has been encouraging Japan to raise its military capabilities, modernising the military alliance with South Korea, revitalising the military partnership with Manila and enhancing security cooperation with Indonesia.

Which areas show the convergence of interests between India and the US?

Building a stronger strategic partnership with India has been a high priority for the Biden administration.

Austin travelled to Delhi. His talks with the Indian establishment have produced a “road map” for a significant elevation of bilateral defence cooperation. It includes technology transfers and joint defence industrial production.

For nearly two decades, India and the US have talked of transforming defence cooperation. The change in the Indo-Pacific and the shared interests in stabilising the Asian balance of power demand a solid India-US defence partnership.