As the Quad continues to solidify its presence in the Indo-Pacific, India may soon explore joining another emerging multilateral alliance focused on the South China Sea. The alliance in question, informally known as the 'Squad,' currently consists of Japan, Australia, the United States, and the Philippines. The group is now considering extending invitations to India and South Korea.
The Philippines and Japan, both facing mounting security concerns over China's expanding military footprint in the South China Sea, seek to counterbalance Beijing’s influence, according to General Romeo S. Brawner, Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Although still an informal grouping, Squad members have been conducting joint maritime operations in the South China Sea for over a year. "Together with Japan and our partners, we are looking to expand the Squad to include India and potentially South Korea," General Brawner stated at the Raisina Dialogue, a major geopolitical conference held in New Delhi.
His remarks about India's possible inclusion came while sharing a stage with top military officials, including his Japanese counterpart, India's Navy Chief, the commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, and Australia's Chief of Joint Operations, during a panel discussion on regional security.
General Brawner further emphasized that the Philippines is actively working to bolster its deterrence capabilities, collaborating with Squad partners on military operations, intelligence-sharing, and joint exercises.
The mention of a possible invitation to India and South Korea comes amid rising tensions between Manila and Beijing, marked by repeated confrontations in the South China Sea.
China asserts near-total control over the South China Sea, ignoring international maritime law and an unequivocal 2016 ruling by an international tribunal rejecting its expansive claims. Beijing continues to disregard the sovereignty of other nations bordering the region, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, and Vietnam.
With over $3 trillion in annual trade passing through the South China Sea, maintaining stability in the region is of global economic and strategic importance.
"We see alignment with India because we share a common adversary. I am not hesitant to say that China is our common challenge. Therefore, collaboration—especially in intelligence-sharing—is crucial," General Brawner told reporters on the sidelines of the summit.
According to Reuters, the General also noted that the Philippines already maintains a defense partnership with India and intends to formally propose India’s inclusion in the Squad during his meeting with India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan. However, following the meeting, a senior Indian defense official indicated that there was no confirmation on whether the topic had been formally discussed.