The Philippines is actively seeking to expand its military coalition known as the 'Squad' to include India and South Korea, aiming to bolster regional security in response to China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

Currently, the Squad consists of Japan, Australia, the United States, and the Philippines. General Romeo S. Brawner, the chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, highlighted this initiative during a panel discussion at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, emphasising the need for collaboration among nations facing similar security challenges posed by China.

The Squad has been engaged in joint maritime operations in the South China Sea for over a year, focusing on military cooperation, intelligence sharing, and enhancing deterrent capabilities against potential Chinese aggression.

Brawner remarked on the shared security concerns with India, stating that both nations view China as a common adversary. He expressed intentions to formally discuss India's potential membership in the Squad during a meeting with Indian defence officials.

This development comes amid rising tensions in the region, where China claims sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea, despite a 2016 international ruling that invalidated these claims.

General Romeo Brawner announced that the Philippines is actively collaborating with an informal military coalition referred to as the "Squad," which currently includes Japan, Australia, and the United States. This group focuses on military cooperation, intelligence sharing, and joint exercises to counter China's assertive actions in the region.

Brawner highlighted the potential expansion of this coalition to include India and South Korea, stating that such partnerships are crucial given the shared challenges posed by China. He openly identified China as a "common enemy," stressing the importance of collaboration among nations facing similar threats.

During discussions at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, he expressed intentions to invite India to join the Squad when he meets with India's Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan.

The backdrop of these developments is China's aggressive stance in the South China Sea, where it claims nearly all territory despite international rulings that reject these claims.

The Philippines, along with other Southeast Asian nations like Vietnam and Malaysia, has been asserting its sovereignty over parts of this vital maritime route, which sees over $3 trillion in annual trade. The Philippines has already begun procuring advanced military systems from India, including BrahMos missiles, as part of its efforts to bolster its defence capabilities against potential threats from China.

As tensions escalate, Brawner indicated that strengthening military ties and intelligence exchanges with allies like India is essential for maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific region. The Philippines is also exploring partnerships with Ukraine to enhance its drone capabilities, showcasing a multi-faceted approach to national defence modernisation.

The Philippines has experienced numerous confrontations with Chinese vessels in disputed waters, further motivating its push for stronger alliances. If India joins the Squad, it would complement its existing role in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) and enhance collective efforts to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

NDTV News