WHAT IS SQUAD? US PLAN TO COUNTER CHINA

New Delhi: Each passing day adds something new in the constantly changing geo-political scenario that affects multiple nations. The recent escalation in the Middle-East and tensions in South China sea have been a concern for countries around the globe. Now, amid a growing concern over Taiwan, the US is attempting to boost its regional defences by forming a new strategic alliance, 'Squad'. The group will have the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines as its members.

During a press conference recently, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said, ""We have chartered an ambitious course to advance that vision together," as quoted by a Times of India report. He said this last week during the meet of defence leaders of these four nations in Hawaii, which is home to the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM).

What Is SQUAD?

Envisioning 'Squad' comes on the backdrop of the first joint exercise by these four countries in the disputed South China sea, where China asserts its control. Then a trilateral summit was held at the White House involving leaders from the US, Japan, and the Philippines, TOI added citing a report in Asia Times.

With the new group in focus, the alliance now has plans to bolster their military interoperability, conduct additional joint patrols and drills, and improve intelligence and maritime security cooperation. And all these are focused at mitigating the challenges posed by China's expansive military activities across the Western Pacific, the report further said.

Unlike the QUAD alliance, which has India, US, Australia and Japan as its members, the 'Squad' apparently aims to have a more unified internal coherence and a clear, shared strategic vision. According to Asia Times report, the 'Quad' has experienced strains, especially because of India's continued close relations with Russia.

The emergence of 'Squad' is most certainly going to further entangle the web of geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, with significant implications for regional stability and international relations.

What China Said On 'Squad'

Apparently seeing it as a hurdle in its ambitions, Chinese state-run media reportedly criticised the new bloc, claiming that it exacerbates regional risks and complicates the already tense situation in the South China Sea. Beijing, the report added, is seeing the "Squad" as an extension of efforts by the YS to contain China's rise.

2024-05-07T19:09:12Z dg43tfdfdgfd