The new military grouping, whose members include the US, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines, focuses on the South China Sea.
New Delhi: Even as the Quad steadily strengthens its hold across the Indo-Pacific region, India may soon consider being a part of another key multilateral alliance that focuses on the South China Sea. The group in question is the 'Squad' - whose members currently include Japan, Australia, the US, and the Philippines. The group now plans to invite India and South Korea to join it.
The Philippines and Japan, which face challenges with China's growing military presence in the South China Sea, aim to counter Beijing and keep it in check, said General Romeo S Brawner, the Philippines' Armed Forces chief.
Though Squad is still an informal grouping, member states have conducted joint maritime activities in the South China Sea for over a year. "Together with Japan and our partners we are trying to expand the squad to include India and probably South Korea," General Brawner said at the Raisina Dialogue - a multilateral conference in New Delhi.
Interestingly, the General's comment on inviting India to the 'Squad', came as his counterpart from Japan, the chief of the Indian Navy, the commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, and Australia's chief of Joint Operations were on stage for a panel discussion on security in the Indo-Pacific.
The mention of a possible invite to India and South Korea comes at a time when Manila and Beijing are facing increasing hostilities and a series of escalating confrontations in the South China Sea, which is one of the most significant maritime trade routes, which sees an annual trade flow of more than $3 trillion.
