The Indo-Pacific power play

Source– The post is based on the article “The Indo-Pacific power play” published in the “Business Standard” on 20th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- International relations

Relevance- Indo-pacific

News–  The article explains the US strategy in Indo-pacific to counter China

How is the US increasing its presence in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China?

Ties with Vietnam- During US President Joe Biden’s visit to Hanoi, the two countries elevated their Comprehensive Partnership to a more comprehensive and strategic level, known as the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Vietnam shares a sensitive land border with China and is involved in disputes over Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea.

However, it’s worth noting that in the joint statement issued during the visit, Vietnam was cautious not to include language that might provoke China.

Ties with Philippines- There has been a significant enhancement of the Philippines military alliance with the United States.

This has enabled the US to regain access to its key bases in the Philippines, after a period of several years without such access. The US has been granted permission to use four additional bases in the country.

In May 2023, new guidelines were issued for the 1951 treaty. It outlined more specific commitments by the US to address security threats to the Philippines. One notable provision now allows for joint patrols by US and Philippine forces in the EEZ.

Trilateral security framework- It involves the United States, Japan and South Korea. Efforts to bring these two allies together in a truly coordinated trilateral alliance had been ongoing for some time.

Recent events, such as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to Russia and the potential deepening of military cooperation between these two nations, have further fuelled concerns in Seoul and Tokyo.

Under US sponsorship, the leaders of the United States, Japan, and South Korea adopted the Camp David Principles.

These principles call for annual trilateral summits, the establishment of a hotline among leaders, intelligence sharing, and the conduct of annual military exercises.

All three countries view the situation in the Taiwan Strait as a factor affecting regional peace and security.

Multi-tiered security framework in the Indo-Pacific region-  At the lowest level are partnerships, including those with countries like Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand.

The next tier includes the Quad, comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. India holds a unique position within the Quad as it is not an ally but maintains strategic partnerships with each of the other member nations.

At a higher level, there is a trilateral military alliance involving the United States, Japan, and South Korea.

Finally, at the apex is AUKUS. It is an enhanced military alliance between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

AUKUS is committed to empower Australia to become a nuclear submarine-capable nation, and operate in collaboration with the naval capabilities of the United States and the United Kingdom in the Indo-Pacific region.

What is ASEAN’s approach towards Indo-pacific?

Some individual nations, such as Laos and Cambodia, maintain strong alignment with China. Others are cautious about provoking China.

Nevertheless, there are indications of a potential shift. ASEAN nations are currently conducting their inaugural naval exercises off the Natuna islands this month.

These islands fall within Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) but are also claimed by China through its disputed nine-dash line, which covers the entire South China Sea.

This could be an early sign of ASEAN countries pushing back against China’s exaggerated territorial assertions in the region.

What is the Indian approach towards Indo-pacific?

India is increasingly embracing its role as a willing participant in the evolving US Indo-Pacific strategy. It has already finalized three foundational agreements that enhance interoperability between the armed forces of both nations.

Furthermore, India has secured two master ship repair agreements: one with the US Navy and the Larsen and Toubro shipyard near Chennai, and another with the Mazagaon Docks in August.

American naval vessels have begun using these ports for repairs and refitment. It would be relatively straightforward to extend these facilities to other members of the Quad.