The foreign secretary, Teodoro Locsin, said late on Sunday that the Philippines has filed a diplomatic protest over the Chinese presence.

Phillipines demands withdrawal of over 200 Chinese vessels from South China Sea

The South China Sea dispute is in the headlines once again. This time for China's maritime militia boats that have alarmed the Philippines. What does this militia do? WION's Molly Gambhir gets you a report.

Gravitas: What are China's maritime Militias?

More than 200 Chinese vessels - allegedly manned by militias - have been spotted at a disputed reef in the South China Sea. The Philippines has called on China to 'stop this incursion'. Is China making moves to seize disputed lands? WION's Molly Gambhir has more.

Gravitas: South China Sea: Is China making moves to seize disputed islands?

The&nbsp;Indo-Pacific&nbsp;region has become&nbsp;the geopolitical centre of the world for which several leaders are fighting over.

The location is crucial because it is the merging point of two oceans, that is, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

The geographic region has become&nbsp;the biggest maritime flashpoint of the world.

China claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, which is extremely rich in resources.

The country has been accused by the United States of efforts to "intimidate, coerce and threaten other nations" to control it.

An international tribunal invalidated&nbsp;China's claim to 90 per cent&nbsp;of the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;in 2016, but Beijing does not recognise the ruling.&nbsp;China&nbsp;has built islands in the disputed waters in recent years, putting airstrips on some of them.

Beijing often invokes the so-called nine-dash line to justify its apparent historic rights over most of the South China Sea, parts of which are also claimed by Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei.

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin&nbsp;told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he "commended India's leadership role in the&nbsp;Indo-Pacific&nbsp;and growing engagement with like-minded partners across the region to promote shared goals," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

New Delhi has recently shifted&nbsp;its foreign policy focus eastward. Nearly&nbsp;200 billion dollars worth of Indian trade passes through the South China Sea.

Free and open navigation is in India's interest, but&nbsp;Chinese dominance would be disastrous.

The Philippines urged&nbsp;China&nbsp;on Sunday to recall more than 200 Chinese boats it said had been spotted at a reef in the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea, saying the presence of the vessels violated its maritime rights as it claims ownership of the area.

From the&nbsp;British empire in the 16th and 17th centuries to the&nbsp;United States&nbsp;since World War I, maritime superpowers have dominated world politics.

China's&nbsp;unilateral actions have had an unintended effect.&nbsp;It has brought all the regional stakeholders&nbsp;including the Quad&nbsp;together.

The leaders of the United States, India, Australia and Japan - countries together known as the Quad - held the first summit last week pledging to work together for a free and open&nbsp;Indo-Pacific&nbsp;and to cooperate on maritime and cybersecurity in the face of challenges from China.

India has been cultivating its ties in the region as a part of the ''act east'' policy. Its&nbsp;major focus is on the ASEAN grouping.

The ASEAN has 10 member nations.&nbsp;It is among the fastest-growing political unions in the world.

India has opted for mini trade deals. It is mulling&nbsp;a preferential trade arrangement with the Philippines,&nbsp;the third-largest economy in ASEAN.

Despite over 70 years of diplomatic ties -- India and the Philippines do not have close ties. Earlier this month,&nbsp;the two countries&nbsp;signed a major defence deal.

The Philippines will buy the Indian-made Brahmos PJ-10 missiles, the fastest cruise missile in the market. Defence cooperation mostly leads to strategic partnerships.

India and the Philippines are also cooperating on the vaccine front. Manila plans to secure 8 million doses of COVAXIN&nbsp;-- developed by India's Bharat biotech.

India could help the Philippines revive its struggling inoculation campaign.

In December last year - India and Vietnam&nbsp;participated in a two-day military drill

An Indian warship was dispatched to Vietnam to deliver humanitarian aid and the naval drills were organised on its return voyage.

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that the region is ''India's sphere of influence.''

Indians have sailed these waters for more than 1,500 years.

Economically and politically -- India has a lot at stake in the South China Sea.

In the last 40 years -- the Indo-Pacific prospered as a hub of free navigation...

Deterring China's belligerence in the region is key and India could be the bulwark against Beijing.

New Delhi has the economic power, the political clout and the military strength to tackle China on the high seas.

&nbsp;

The Indo-Pacific region has become the geopolitical centre of the world for which several leaders are fighting over. The location is crucial because it is the merging point of two oceans, that is, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

The Indo-Pacific region has become the geopolitical centre of the world for which several leaders are fighting over. The location is crucial because it is the merging point of two oceans, that is, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. The geographic region has become the biggest maritime flashpoint of the world. China claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, which is extremely rich in resources. The country has been accused by the United States of efforts to "intimidate, coerce and threaten other nations" to control it. An international tribunal invalidated China's claim to 90 per cent of the South China Sea in 2016, but Beijing does not recognise the ruling. China has built islands in the disputed waters in recent years, putting airstrips on some of them. Beijing often invokes the so-called nine-dash line to justify its apparent historic rights over most of the South China Sea, parts of which are also claimed by Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei. Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he "commended India's leadership role in the Indo-Pacific and growing engagement with like-minded partners across the region to promote shared goals," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said. New Delhi has recently shifted its foreign policy focus eastward. Nearly 200 billion dollars worth of Indian trade passes through the South China Sea. Free and open navigation is in India's interest, but Chinese dominance would be disastrous. The Philippines urged China on Sunday to recall more than 200 Chinese boats it said had been spotted at a reef in the South China Sea, saying the presence of the vessels violated its maritime rights as it claims ownership of the area. From the British empire in the 16th and 17th centuries to the United States since World War I, maritime superpowers have dominated world politics. China's unilateral actions have had an unintended effect. It has brought all the regional stakeholders including the Quad together. The leaders of the United States, India, Australia and Japan - countries together known as the Quad - held the first summit last week pledging to work together for a free and open Indo-Pacific and to cooperate on maritime and cybersecurity in the face of challenges from China. India has been cultivating its ties in the region as a part of the ''act east'' policy. Its major focus is on the ASEAN grouping. The ASEAN has 10 member nations. It is among the fastest-growing political unions in the world. India has opted for mini trade deals. It is mulling a preferential trade arrangement with the Philippines, the third-largest economy in ASEAN. Despite over 70 years of diplomatic ties -- India and the Philippines do not have close ties. Earlier this month, the two countries signed a major defence deal. The Philippines will buy the Indian-made Brahmos PJ-10 missiles, the fastest cruise missile in the market. Defence cooperation mostly leads to strategic partnerships. India and the Philippines are also cooperating on the vaccine front. Manila plans to secure 8 million doses of COVAXIN -- developed by India's Bharat biotech. India could help the Philippines revive its struggling inoculation campaign. In December last year - India and Vietnam participated in a two-day military drill An Indian warship was dispatched to Vietnam to deliver humanitarian aid and the naval drills were organised on its return voyage. Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that the region is ''India's sphere of influence.'' Indians have sailed these waters for more than 1,500 years. Economically and politically -- India has a lot at stake in the South China Sea. In the last 40 years -- the Indo-Pacific prospered as a hub of free navigation... Deterring China's belligerence in the region is key and India could be the bulwark against Beijing. New Delhi has the economic power, the political clout and the military strength to tackle China on the high seas.

What is at stake for India in South China Sea?

Tensions are flaring up once again in the South China Sea. Hundreds of fishing vessels have been spotted at a disputed reef. The Philippines says these are Chinese vessels manned by militias. Manila has shot off a warning. It has termed the presence of Chinese vessels an incursion. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Philippines has demanded withdrawal from China. So, has China opened up another front in the tense South China Sea? Is Beijing militarising a disputed region?&nbsp;

The South China Sea is one of the most hotly contested regions in the world. China stakes claim to 90 per cent of the South China Sea. Vietnam, The Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei, they all have competing, sometimes overlapping claims. Any flare up could lead to a serious military conflict. &nbsp;

The Philippines has spotted more than 200 Chinese vessels at a reef that it calls its own. They say the boats do not appear to be fishing and that they are manned by China's maritime militia.&nbsp;

The Philippines says these vessels are violating its maritime rights in the Whitsun reef, which looks like a boomerang. The Philippines calls it the Julian Felipe. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Manila says this reef lies within the country's exclusive economic zone. Manila has released some photographs of those ships. They are positioned side by side. The Philippines is concerned by the sheer number of ships. &nbsp;

They say, these ships could engage in possible overfishing, destruction of the marine environment as well as pose risks to safety of navigation but a national task force in Philippines says the Chinese vessels aren't really fishing and the ships keep their lights on during night time. &nbsp;

The defence secretary of Philippines has shot off a statement. It says the presence of Chinese ships is a matter of grave concern. He called it 'a clear provocative action of militarising the area'. &nbsp;

What is Beijing's response? China's ministry of foreign affairs said that the presence of these ships is 'very normal'.&nbsp;

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying, said, "What I want to tell you is that Whitsun Reef is a part of the Spratly islands, and China's fishing vessels have always been fishing in the waters of Whitsun reef for a very long time. Recently, because of the maritime situation, China's fishing vessels have been staying near Whitsun reef to shelter themselves from strong winds. This is very normal, and we hope all parties can view this reasonably."&nbsp;

For the Philippines, all this is far from normal. Back in 2016, Philippines had won a case against China's territorial claims. &nbsp;

Five years ago, an international court had dismissed Beijing's claims to virtually all of the South China Sea but China refused to recognise this decision. It continues to push its claims on the South China Sea. It is believed that Beijing uses fishing fleets across the region to assert its claims.&nbsp;

A report from 2019 says, "A significant number of fishing vessels in the area forgo fishing full time to serve as a direct arm of the state through maritime militia". The bigger challenge is how China is transforming some of the islands. Reportedly, China has turned several reefs in the Spratly islands chain into man-made islands, where missiles, runways and weapons systems have been deployed.&nbsp;

The Spratly islands are a group of more than 100 small islands or reefs. They are surrounded by rich fishing grounds. China claims the entire Spratly islands while the rest of the parties have competing claims. &nbsp;

Tensions are flaring up once again in the South China Sea. Hundreds of fishing vessels have been spotted at a disputed reef. The Philippines says these are Chinese vessels manned by militias.

Tensions are flaring up once again in the South China Sea. Hundreds of fishing vessels have been spotted at a disputed reef. The Philippines says these are Chinese vessels manned by militias. Manila has shot off a warning. It has termed the presence of Chinese vessels an incursion. The Philippines has demanded withdrawal from China. So, has China opened up another front in the tense South China Sea? Is Beijing militarising a disputed region? The South China Sea is one of the most hotly contested regions in the world. China stakes claim to 90 per cent of the South China Sea. Vietnam, The Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei, they all have competing, sometimes overlapping claims. Any flare up could lead to a serious military conflict. The Philippines has spotted more than 200 Chinese vessels at a reef that it calls its own. They say the boats do not appear to be fishing and that they are manned by China's maritime militia. The Philippines says these vessels are violating its maritime rights in the Whitsun reef, which looks like a boomerang. The Philippines calls it the Julian Felipe. Manila says this reef lies within the country's exclusive economic zone. Manila has released some photographs of those ships. They are positioned side by side. The Philippines is concerned by the sheer number of ships. They say, these ships could engage in possible overfishing, destruction of the marine environment as well as pose risks to safety of navigation but a national task force in Philippines says the Chinese vessels aren't really fishing and the ships keep their lights on during night time. The defence secretary of Philippines has shot off a statement. It says the presence of Chinese ships is a matter of grave concern. He called it 'a clear provocative action of militarising the area'. What is Beijing's response? China's ministry of foreign affairs said that the presence of these ships is 'very normal'. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying, said, "What I want to tell you is that Whitsun Reef is a part of the Spratly islands, and China's fishing vessels have always been fishing in the waters of Whitsun reef for a very long time. Recently, because of the maritime situation, China's fishing vessels have been staying near Whitsun reef to shelter themselves from strong winds. This is very normal, and we hope all parties can view this reasonably." For the Philippines, all this is far from normal. Back in 2016, Philippines had won a case against China's territorial claims. Five years ago, an international court had dismissed Beijing's claims to virtually all of the South China Sea but China refused to recognise this decision. It continues to push its claims on the South China Sea. It is believed that Beijing uses fishing fleets across the region to assert its claims. A report from 2019 says, "A significant number of fishing vessels in the area forgo fishing full time to serve as a direct arm of the state through maritime militia". The bigger challenge is how China is transforming some of the islands. Reportedly, China has turned several reefs in the Spratly islands chain into man-made islands, where missiles, runways and weapons systems have been deployed. The Spratly islands are a group of more than 100 small islands or reefs. They are surrounded by rich fishing grounds. China claims the entire Spratly islands while the rest of the parties have competing claims.

Tensions flare up as Philippines spots Chinese vessels at Whitsun reef 

The Philippines defence ministry urged China&nbsp;to stop&nbsp;"incursion" after it spotted over 200 boats near a disputed reef in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-air-force-did-not-pose-threat-to-navy-ships-in-south-china-sea-us-military-369057">South China Sea</a>.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-china-engage-in-undiplomatic-sparring-match-371792/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We call on the Chinese to stop this incursion and immediately recall these boats violating our maritime rights and encroaching into our sovereign territory," defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana said, adding, "This is a clear provocative action of militarizing the area. These are territories well within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone."

The Philippine coast guard said it detected the boats&nbsp;"in line formation" at Whitsun Reef around 320 kilometres west of Palawan Island on March 7.

China is involved in the ongoing dispute with several nations including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-strengthens-deployments-in-south-china-sea-gets-us-nod-for-submarine-parts-371123">Taiwan</a>, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei over islands in the South China Sea.

An international tribunal had earlier invalidated China's claim to 90 per cent of the South China Sea, however, Beijing does not recognise the ruling.&nbsp;

The military has submitted its findings to government agencies in order to take "appropriate actions not limited to filing diplomatic protests".

In August last year, the Philippines had accused China of illegally occupying its maritime territory amid fresh row over the disputed Scarborough shoal which China had seized from the Philippines in 2012 after a standoff.

In 2019, the Philippines had once again complained against hundreds of Chinese ships which it said were seen near Pag-asa island.

The Philippines defence ministry urged China to stop "incursion" after it spotted over 200 boats near a disputed reef in the South China Sea. Watch: "We call on the Chinese to stop this incursion and immediately recall these boats violating our maritime rights and encroaching into our sovereign territory," defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana said, adding, "This is a clear provocative action of militarizing the area.

The Philippines defence ministry urged China to stop "incursion" after it spotted over 200 boats near a disputed reef in the South China Sea. Watch: "We call on the Chinese to stop this incursion and immediately recall these boats violating our maritime rights and encroaching into our sovereign territory," defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana said, adding, "This is a clear provocative action of militarizing the area. These are territories well within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone." The Philippine coast guard said it detected the boats "in line formation" at Whitsun Reef around 320 kilometres west of Palawan Island on March 7. China is involved in the ongoing dispute with several nations including Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei over islands in the South China Sea. An international tribunal had earlier invalidated China's claim to 90 per cent of the South China Sea, however, Beijing does not recognise the ruling. The military has submitted its findings to government agencies in order to take "appropriate actions not limited to filing diplomatic protests". In August last year, the Philippines had accused China of illegally occupying its maritime territory amid fresh row over the disputed Scarborough shoal which China had seized from the Philippines in 2012 after a standoff. In 2019, the Philippines had once again complained against hundreds of Chinese ships which it said were seen near Pag-asa island.

Stop incursion and immediately recall boats, Philippines tells China on South China Sea row

Backdrop

The visit of US Secretary of Defence to India, along with Japan and South Korea within a week of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) Summit held on March 12, 2021, indicates a quick follow up.&nbsp;

The Summit did not name China directly, but Beijing seemed nervous and rattled about the event, as its mouthpiece Global times accused Quad members to be hyping the "China threat" before the event and expressed that India will not go US way due to its own ambition and economic dependency on China, after the visit. &nbsp;Apparently, China saw a major challenge to its dream of China-centric Asia-Pacific, in Quad’s call for a free, open, inclusive, healthy, Indo-Pacific region that is "anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion".

China’s hope that the four-country group hasn't formed a cohesive force from within, may need a revisit, after the Quad leaders agreed to give joint statement, committed to holding an in-person leaders' summit by the end of 2021 and agreed to pursue important agendas through three focused working groups.

Benign Agenda but clear Trajectory&nbsp;

Besides unanimity in need for free, open rules-based order, rooted in international law to advance security and prosperity and counter threats to both in the Indo-Pacific, the key agenda which attracted global attention was collective response to COVID-19 pandemic in terms of synergizing the vaccination efforts for humanity, with India as manufacturing hub, assisted by others to roll out one billion vaccines by 2020. The other two issues of working groups being emerging critical technologies and climate change. The agenda seems benign, but Beijing did not miss the connection of freedom of navigation, overflight and the concerns over “aggression” and “coercion” against members of Quad by China in its first summit meeting. No-one during the Summit called out China directly, but China knows that it challenged rule-based order by junking Pemarnent Court of Arbitration’s decision in South China Sea (SCS) and continues to coerce countries in Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;

The list of shared challenges to be addressed also includes cyberspace, critical technologies, counterterrorism, quality infrastructure investment, and humanitarian-assistance and disaster-relief (HADR), some of which echo Chinese alleged involvement like cyber attacks and transparency of World Health Organization. Quad’s assertion to support the rule of law, freedom of navigation, overflight, democratic values, and territorial integrity has added to frustration of Beijing, which has started firing salvo of propaganda through its mouthpiece Global Times, calling India (the only Non-NATO partner) as “Negative Asset for BRICS and SCO” failing to understand Chinese goodwill! Quad’s announcement of forthcoming naval drills of Quad plus countries and willingness of some NATO members like UK, France and Germany, to join in responding to challenges in Indo-Pacific, has further added to discomfort of China, indicating forward trajectory of Quad.

China overplays Divergences in Quad

China will like the world to believe that there are wide divergences in four democracies getting together, but in the evolution process, Quad seems to be getting over some of them. There is much more acceptability regarding divergent definitions and focus areas within the Indo-Pacific region. With the series of foundational agreements like COMCASA, BECA, LEMOA and CISMOA signed between US and India, and naval exercises, the inter-operability of India with other Quad members, operating within NATO military alliance framework, has improved. The joint statements of defence ministers of US and India on March 20, 2021 indicates convergence in approach and intention to have better defence cooperation between both countries in line with Quad commitments and strategic partnership.&nbsp;

India is the only country amongst Quad members, which has unsettled land border with China. After Doklam and Ladakh standoffs, it’s quite clear to Indians that China can’t be trusted, which has brought relatively better clarity in Indian position. The economic entanglement of each of the Quad members with China necessitates a resilient supply chain, digital and technological ecosystem, with minimal dependence on China. There has been consensus regarding support for ASEAN’s centrality in the Indo-Pacific as well, but their inclusion into it will be a debatable issue, due to Chinese influence over them. China has always tried to deal with every country on bilateral terms, using its Comprehensive National Power (CNP) to its advantage and will continue to do so even with Quad members. &nbsp;

Countering Chinese Challenge?

The ‘Incremental Encroachment Strategy’ of China exhibited in South China Sea, East China Sea (ECS) and Ladakh is a serious concern not only to the countries directly affected by overlapping EEZ or unsettled borders, but also to rest of the world, as China continues to convert features/atolls into military bases, expect others to accept them as islands and apply ‘Baseline principle’ under UNCLOS-III to claim its 200 nautical miles of Exclusive Economic Zone thus converting SCS into ‘Chinese lake’ over a period of time. It poses threat to freedom of navigation (FON) and flight along global Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) and may lead to some restrictions like Air Defence Identification Zone in South China Sea. Any such action by any country to restrict FON/flight or violation of rule of law must be challenged in UN Security Council backed by Quad. All members of Quad except US have ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III); hence US needs to ratify the same, to have a moral high ground to implement it.&nbsp;

China seems reasonably confident that US or any other country will not use military force to dismantle their infrastructure constructed in South China Sea. It is also increasing its naval capability at unprecedented pace. In this context it is necessary that Quad strengthens itself beyond Malabar exercises, gets some teeth in the form of maritime capacity building of its members and capacity to dominate choke points sensitive to China, as it’s not a military alliance so far. Quad will therefore need a formal structure and a secretariat to take it forward.&nbsp;

Way Ahead for Quad

COVID-19 vaccines will be manufactured in India, financed by the US and Japan with logistical support from Australia. The intention of Quad to synergise medical, scientific, financing, manufacturing, critical emerging-technology and developmental capabilities in future, is a step in right direction. Sharing of innovative technology and capacity building for climatic challenges will serve the interest of humanity and make Quad an effective grouping.&nbsp;

Quad members must continue freedom of navigation exercises and military posturing in Indo-Pacific, as China continues to do so. If the strategic situation worsens there may be a need to position ‘UN Maritime Military Observers Group’, as prevention of accidental triggering of conflict is possible in a region having high density of combat ship on Freedom Of Navigation missions. &nbsp;

The Summit did not signal expansion, but it needs to have flexibility to incorporate like-minded democratic countries, as many would be keen to join Quad in future, because Indo-Pacific region is becoming the global economic centre of gravity and manufacturing hub. Support of other navies like France, UK, Germany and other NATO members will be good deterrence to peace spoilers. Quad in its present form may not be structured to check Chinese adventurism, but it seems to be on right trajectory to become one of the most effective instruments to do so. Chinese aggressive reactions during meeting of top officials of US and China indicates that Quad has put China on notice, without even naming it, forcing it to showcase its strong stance to domestic audience behind nervousness.

(The author can be reached at Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google+ as Shashi Asthana, @asthana_shashi on twitter, and personnel site -- https://asthanawrites.org. He can also be reached at shashiasthana29@gmail.com)

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Backdrop The visit of US Secretary of Defence to India, along with Japan and South Korea within a week of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) Summit held on March 12, 2021, indicates a quick follow up.

Backdrop The visit of US Secretary of Defence to India, along with Japan and South Korea within a week of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) Summit held on March 12, 2021, indicates a quick follow up. The Summit did not name China directly, but Beijing seemed nervous and rattled about the event, as its mouthpiece Global times accused Quad members to be hyping the "China threat" before the event and expressed that India will not go US way due to its own ambition and economic dependency on China, after the visit. Apparently, China saw a major challenge to its dream of China-centric Asia-Pacific, in Quad’s call for a free, open, inclusive, healthy, Indo-Pacific region that is "anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion". China’s hope that the four-country group hasn't formed a cohesive force from within, may need a revisit, after the Quad leaders agreed to give joint statement, committed to holding an in-person leaders' summit by the end of 2021 and agreed to pursue important agendas through three focused working groups. Benign Agenda but clear Trajectory Besides unanimity in need for free, open rules-based order, rooted in international law to advance security and prosperity and counter threats to both in the Indo-Pacific, the key agenda which attracted global attention was collective response to COVID-19 pandemic in terms of synergizing the vaccination efforts for humanity, with India as manufacturing hub, assisted by others to roll out one billion vaccines by 2020. The other two issues of working groups being emerging critical technologies and climate change. The agenda seems benign, but Beijing did not miss the connection of freedom of navigation, overflight and the concerns over “aggression” and “coercion” against members of Quad by China in its first summit meeting. No-one during the Summit called out China directly, but China knows that it challenged rule-based order by junking Pemarnent Court of Arbitration’s decision in South China Sea (SCS) and continues to coerce countries in Indo-Pacific region. The list of shared challenges to be addressed also includes cyberspace, critical technologies, counterterrorism, quality infrastructure investment, and humanitarian-assistance and disaster-relief (HADR), some of which echo Chinese alleged involvement like cyber attacks and transparency of World Health Organization. Quad’s assertion to support the rule of law, freedom of navigation, overflight, democratic values, and territorial integrity has added to frustration of Beijing, which has started firing salvo of propaganda through its mouthpiece Global Times, calling India (the only Non-NATO partner) as “Negative Asset for BRICS and SCO” failing to understand Chinese goodwill! Quad’s announcement of forthcoming naval drills of Quad plus countries and willingness of some NATO members like UK, France and Germany, to join in responding to challenges in Indo-Pacific, has further added to discomfort of China, indicating forward trajectory of Quad. China overplays Divergences in Quad China will like the world to believe that there are wide divergences in four democracies getting together, but in the evolution process, Quad seems to be getting over some of them. There is much more acceptability regarding divergent definitions and focus areas within the Indo-Pacific region. With the series of foundational agreements like COMCASA, BECA, LEMOA and CISMOA signed between US and India, and naval exercises, the inter-operability of India with other Quad members, operating within NATO military alliance framework, has improved. The joint statements of defence ministers of US and India on March 20, 2021 indicates convergence in approach and intention to have better defence cooperation between both countries in line with Quad commitments and strategic partnership. India is the only country amongst Quad members, which has unsettled land border with China. After Doklam and Ladakh standoffs, it’s quite clear to Indians that China can’t be trusted, which has brought relatively better clarity in Indian position. The economic entanglement of each of the Quad members with China necessitates a resilient supply chain, digital and technological ecosystem, with minimal dependence on China. There has been consensus regarding support for ASEAN’s centrality in the Indo-Pacific as well, but their inclusion into it will be a debatable issue, due to Chinese influence over them. China has always tried to deal with every country on bilateral terms, using its Comprehensive National Power (CNP) to its advantage and will continue to do so even with Quad members. Countering Chinese Challenge? The ‘Incremental Encroachment Strategy’ of China exhibited in South China Sea, East China Sea (ECS) and Ladakh is a serious concern not only to the countries directly affected by overlapping EEZ or unsettled borders, but also to rest of the world, as China continues to convert features/atolls into military bases, expect others to accept them as islands and apply ‘Baseline principle’ under UNCLOS-III to claim its 200 nautical miles of Exclusive Economic Zone thus converting SCS into ‘Chinese lake’ over a period of time. It poses threat to freedom of navigation (FON) and flight along global Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) and may lead to some restrictions like Air Defence Identification Zone in South China Sea. Any such action by any country to restrict FON/flight or violation of rule of law must be challenged in UN Security Council backed by Quad. All members of Quad except US have ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III); hence US needs to ratify the same, to have a moral high ground to implement it. China seems reasonably confident that US or any other country will not use military force to dismantle their infrastructure constructed in South China Sea. It is also increasing its naval capability at unprecedented pace. In this context it is necessary that Quad strengthens itself beyond Malabar exercises, gets some teeth in the form of maritime capacity building of its members and capacity to dominate choke points sensitive to China, as it’s not a military alliance so far. Quad will therefore need a formal structure and a secretariat to take it forward. Way Ahead for Quad COVID-19 vaccines will be manufactured in India, financed by the US and Japan with logistical support from Australia. The intention of Quad to synergise medical, scientific, financing, manufacturing, critical emerging-technology and developmental capabilities in future, is a step in right direction. Sharing of innovative technology and capacity building for climatic challenges will serve the interest of humanity and make Quad an effective grouping. Quad members must continue freedom of navigation exercises and military posturing in Indo-Pacific, as China continues to do so. If the strategic situation worsens there may be a need to position ‘UN Maritime Military Observers Group’, as prevention of accidental triggering of conflict is possible in a region having high density of combat ship on Freedom Of Navigation missions. The Summit did not signal expansion, but it needs to have flexibility to incorporate like-minded democratic countries, as many would be keen to join Quad in future, because Indo-Pacific region is becoming the global economic centre of gravity and manufacturing hub. Support of other navies like France, UK, Germany and other NATO members will be good deterrence to peace spoilers. Quad in its present form may not be structured to check Chinese adventurism, but it seems to be on right trajectory to become one of the most effective instruments to do so. Chinese aggressive reactions during meeting of top officials of US and China indicates that Quad has put China on notice, without even naming it, forcing it to showcase its strong stance to domestic audience behind nervousness. (The author can be reached at Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google+ as Shashi Asthana, @asthana_shashi on twitter, and personnel site -- https://asthanawrites.org. He can also be reached at shashiasthana29@gmail.com) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: Quad Summit's forward trajectory disturbs China

Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday acknowledged that China will pose a “great challenge” for the UK&nbsp;as he set out the findings of a major review of foreign policy.

Addressing the British parliament, Johnson said that the UK has "led the international community in expressing our deep concern'' over China’s mass detention of the Uighur people and its actions in Hong Kong.

Britain's biggest foreign and defence policy review since the 1990 end of the Cold War sets out how Prime Minister Johnson&nbsp;wants to be at the forefront of a reinvigorated, rules-based international order based on cooperation and free trade.

Johnson’s government said it would “tilt” its focus towards the Indo-Pacific region as part of its Integrated Review of government policy for the coming years, saying the area increasingly represented the geopolitical centre of the world.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-pm-boris-johnson-to-visit-delhi-on-april-26-will-head-to-pune-too-370966" hreflang="en">UK PM Boris Johnson to visit Delhi on April 26, will head to Pune too</a>

The United States has deployed its&nbsp;Navy aircraft carrier&nbsp;the USS Nimitz&nbsp;in the contested South China Sea.

Germany has also announced the deployment of its naval frigate to Japan.

"There is no question that China will pose a great challenge to an open society such as ours, but we will also work with China where that is consistent with our values and interests,"&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;told parliament.

Marginal influence

Britain, the world's sixth-largest economy, is dwarfed economically and militarily by China but believes that, with soft power and strategic alliances, it can help persuade Beijing to play by the rules of a new, more dynamic international system.

The British government has long promised the "Integrated Review" that will show that Britain, which completed its exit from the EU at the end of last year, still has international clout and will define a new era.

The UK has taken a nuanced approach to China, calling Beijing's increasing power and assertiveness the most significant geopolitical factor of the decade, and promising to challenge it where necessary and defend British national security.

Johnson is pursuing forming an alliance of 10 democracies to create an alternative pool of suppliers of 5G equipment and other technologies to avoid relying on China.

The British government has approached Washington about a “D10” club of democratic partners, based on G7 plus Australia, South Korea and India.

In 2015, Britain's then-finance minister, George Osborne, predicted a "golden" era in Chinese-British relations. But ties have since frayed over issues including Beijing's security crackdown on former British colony Hong Kong and security concerns around Chinese investment in Britain.

What can the UK&nbsp;get from India?

Boris Johnson has called&nbsp;''India is an increasingly indispensable partner for the United Kingdom.''

India's skilled labour, technological assistance and vibrant market will open a lot of avenues for Britain which has recently parted ways with the European Union.

India is not the world's largest telecom market, it is also the fastest-growing.

According to a study on India's telecom sector, an increase in telecom subscriptions often touches 20 million a month.

India also offers the cheapest data compared at current market exchange rates.

As per cable.co.uk,&nbsp;the price per GB data in India to be $0.09.&nbsp;It took&nbsp;into account 5,554 data plans across 228 &nbsp;countries.

Along with the world, India is now steering towards 5G. The UK will need India's help to marginalise China in the telecom market.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India at the end of April in what will be his first major international trip after Britain’s exit from the European Union, as part of efforts to boost UK opportunities in the region, his office said on Monday.

"I am delighted to announce that I will visit India next month to strengthen our friendship with the world's biggest democracy," he said.

Johnson had planned an Indian trip in January as part of efforts to speed up trade talks between the two nations but was unable to do so&nbsp;amid a surge of COVID-19 infections at home.

At the time, his office said he had hoped to rearrange the visit before Britain hosted the meeting of leaders from the Group of Seven rich nations in June, which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to attend as a visitor.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday acknowledged that China will pose a “great challenge” for the UK as he set out the findings of a major review of foreign policy.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday acknowledged that China will pose a “great challenge” for the UK as he set out the findings of a major review of foreign policy. Addressing the British parliament, Johnson said that the UK has "led the international community in expressing our deep concern'' over China’s mass detention of the Uighur people and its actions in Hong Kong. Britain's biggest foreign and defence policy review since the 1990 end of the Cold War sets out how Prime Minister Johnson wants to be at the forefront of a reinvigorated, rules-based international order based on cooperation and free trade. Johnson’s government said it would “tilt” its focus towards the Indo-Pacific region as part of its Integrated Review of government policy for the coming years, saying the area increasingly represented the geopolitical centre of the world. Also read| UK PM Boris Johnson to visit Delhi on April 26, will head to Pune too The United States has deployed its Navy aircraft carrier the USS Nimitz in the contested South China Sea. Germany has also announced the deployment of its naval frigate to Japan. "There is no question that China will pose a great challenge to an open society such as ours, but we will also work with China where that is consistent with our values and interests," Johnson told parliament. Marginal influence Britain, the world's sixth-largest economy, is dwarfed economically and militarily by China but believes that, with soft power and strategic alliances, it can help persuade Beijing to play by the rules of a new, more dynamic international system. The British government has long promised the "Integrated Review" that will show that Britain, which completed its exit from the EU at the end of last year, still has international clout and will define a new era. The UK has taken a nuanced approach to China, calling Beijing's increasing power and assertiveness the most significant geopolitical factor of the decade, and promising to challenge it where necessary and defend British national security. Johnson is pursuing forming an alliance of 10 democracies to create an alternative pool of suppliers of 5G equipment and other technologies to avoid relying on China. The British government has approached Washington about a “D10” club of democratic partners, based on G7 plus Australia, South Korea and India. In 2015, Britain's then-finance minister, George Osborne, predicted a "golden" era in Chinese-British relations. But ties have since frayed over issues including Beijing's security crackdown on former British colony Hong Kong and security concerns around Chinese investment in Britain. What can the UK get from India? Boris Johnson has called ''India is an increasingly indispensable partner for the United Kingdom.'' India's skilled labour, technological assistance and vibrant market will open a lot of avenues for Britain which has recently parted ways with the European Union. India is not the world's largest telecom market, it is also the fastest-growing. According to a study on India's telecom sector, an increase in telecom subscriptions often touches 20 million a month. India also offers the cheapest data compared at current market exchange rates. As per cable.co.uk, the price per GB data in India to be $0.09. It took into account 5,554 data plans across 228 countries. Along with the world, India is now steering towards 5G. The UK will need India's help to marginalise China in the telecom market. Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India at the end of April in what will be his first major international trip after Britain’s exit from the European Union, as part of efforts to boost UK opportunities in the region, his office said on Monday. "I am delighted to announce that I will visit India next month to strengthen our friendship with the world's biggest democracy," he said. Johnson had planned an Indian trip in January as part of efforts to speed up trade talks between the two nations but was unable to do so amid a surge of COVID-19 infections at home. At the time, his office said he had hoped to rearrange the visit before Britain hosted the meeting of leaders from the Group of Seven rich nations in June, which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to attend as a visitor.

Why is Britain standing up to China

Leading countries are countering China in the Indo-Pacific. QUAD leaders will hold their first summit a French Submarine patrolled South China Sea, Germany & The UK are sending warships.

Gravitas: Leading countries make a big move to counter China in the Indo-Pacific

South China Sea is all set to welcome a new visitor. Germany will dispatch a warship to Asia. It will sail through the region when it returns. What role can the European power play in taming China's aggression in South China Sea? WION's Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Why Germany is sending a warship to Asia

A German warship is set to sail through&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-expresses-concern-about-chinese-attempts-in-east-south-china-sea-365042">South China Sea</a> even as the United States warned China against the use of force in the disputed waters.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/two-us-carriers-hold-drills-in-south-china-sea-362531/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The United States hailed the move for a "rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific".

Germany said its warship will not pass within the 12-nautical-mile limit of China. It is the first German warship to cross the South China Sea since 2002.

"The international community has a vital stake in the preservation of an open maritime order,” the US State Department said. However, China said “they cannot take it as an excuse to undermine the sovereignty and security of littoral countries” while saying that countries enjoyed freedom of navigation in international waters.

US State Department had earlier expressed "concern" over China's new legislation which allowed its coast guard to use weapons against foreign ships.&nbsp;

"We remind the PRC and all whose forces operate in the South China Sea that responsible maritime forces act with professionalism and restraint in the exercise of their authorities," State Department spokesman Ned Price had said.

The US has repeatedly rejected China's claims in the strategic waterway. President Biden during his&nbsp;first phone call to China's President Xi had asserted the importance of &nbsp;"a free and open Indo-Pacific."

Last month, a French nuclear-propelled submarine and warship patrolled the South China Sea under the freedom of navigation rule.

A German warship is set to sail through the South China Sea even as the United States warned China against the use of force in the disputed waters. Watch: The United States hailed the move for a "rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific".

A German warship is set to sail through the South China Sea even as the United States warned China against the use of force in the disputed waters. Watch: The United States hailed the move for a "rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific". Germany said its warship will not pass within the 12-nautical-mile limit of China. It is the first German warship to cross the South China Sea since 2002. "The international community has a vital stake in the preservation of an open maritime order,” the US State Department said. However, China said “they cannot take it as an excuse to undermine the sovereignty and security of littoral countries” while saying that countries enjoyed freedom of navigation in international waters. US State Department had earlier expressed "concern" over China's new legislation which allowed its coast guard to use weapons against foreign ships. "We remind the PRC and all whose forces operate in the South China Sea that responsible maritime forces act with professionalism and restraint in the exercise of their authorities," State Department spokesman Ned Price had said. The US has repeatedly rejected China's claims in the strategic waterway. President Biden during his first phone call to China's President Xi had asserted the importance of "a free and open Indo-Pacific." Last month, a French nuclear-propelled submarine and warship patrolled the South China Sea under the freedom of navigation rule.

German warship to sail through South China Sea

Amid the growing activities in the South China Sea region by Beijing, Vietnam has been building up its defences in the Spratly Islands for the past two years 'to ensure it can strike Chinese facilities'.&nbsp;

Citing the Centre for Strategic and International Studies' Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative's report, South China Morning Post said that emplacements for air and coastal defence systems have been installed on most of Vietnam's bases in the Spratly islands, with the most significant upgrades at West Reef and Sin Cowe Island.&nbsp;

The report further stated that the building work by Vietnam is to emphasise its stance against China and also to ensure that the Chinese bases were within striking range.&nbsp;

According to the report, the recent upgrades at West Reef and Sin Cowe 'follow established patterns seen at other Vietnamese outposts in the Spratlys', the SCMP said.&nbsp;

"The coastal defence installations - concrete emplacements often connected to a bunker - are ubiquitous at Vietnam's larger outposts," the report said.&nbsp;

"In the past two years, West Reef has seen significant new construction, including several coastal defense installations, administrative buildings, concrete pads and bunkers, and a large tower structure presumably for communications or signals intelligence. The northern and southern tips of the island also saw the construction of a tunnel network similar to those on other Vietnamese features, as well as the planting of vegetation," it read.&nbsp;

The report further said that Sin Cowe Island has seen significant upgrades over the last two years, most notably the construction of an array of defensive installations along the coastline.&nbsp;

"This work began in 2019 and is concentrated on the roughly 26 acres of reclaimed land built between 2013 and 2016. The reclaimed area on the north side of Sin Cowe, vegetated in images from 2018, was cleared for the construction of new tunnels and coastal fortifications," it added.&nbsp;

The South China Sea is grouped into three archipelagos including the Paracel Islands and Spratly Islands. China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its sovereign territory, and it has aggressively asserted its stake in recent years. &nbsp;

Paracel island is disputed between China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. It has been occupied by China. Meanwhile, Spratly island is claimed by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and to a lesser degree, Brunei.&nbsp;

Amid the growing activities in the South China Sea region by Beijing, Vietnam has been building up its defences in the Spratly Islands for the past two years 'to ensure it can strike Chinese facilities'.

Amid the growing activities in the South China Sea region by Beijing, Vietnam has been building up its defences in the Spratly Islands for the past two years 'to ensure it can strike Chinese facilities'. Citing the Centre for Strategic and International Studies' Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative's report, South China Morning Post said that emplacements for air and coastal defence systems have been installed on most of Vietnam's bases in the Spratly islands, with the most significant upgrades at West Reef and Sin Cowe Island. The report further stated that the building work by Vietnam is to emphasise its stance against China and also to ensure that the Chinese bases were within striking range. According to the report, the recent upgrades at West Reef and Sin Cowe 'follow established patterns seen at other Vietnamese outposts in the Spratlys', the SCMP said. "The coastal defence installations - concrete emplacements often connected to a bunker - are ubiquitous at Vietnam's larger outposts," the report said. "In the past two years, West Reef has seen significant new construction, including several coastal defense installations, administrative buildings, concrete pads and bunkers, and a large tower structure presumably for communications or signals intelligence. The northern and southern tips of the island also saw the construction of a tunnel network similar to those on other Vietnamese features, as well as the planting of vegetation," it read. The report further said that Sin Cowe Island has seen significant upgrades over the last two years, most notably the construction of an array of defensive installations along the coastline. "This work began in 2019 and is concentrated on the roughly 26 acres of reclaimed land built between 2013 and 2016. The reclaimed area on the north side of Sin Cowe, vegetated in images from 2018, was cleared for the construction of new tunnels and coastal fortifications," it added. The South China Sea is grouped into three archipelagos including the Paracel Islands and Spratly Islands. China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its sovereign territory, and it has aggressively asserted its stake in recent years. Paracel island is disputed between China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. It has been occupied by China. Meanwhile, Spratly island is claimed by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and to a lesser degree, Brunei.

Vietnam builds up defences against China in Spratly Islands

The United States on Friday expressed concerns over China's new legislation, saying the law can be used to "intimidate" China's maritime neighbours.&nbsp;

China has enacted a new law that empowers its coast guard to use weapons against foreign ships entering illegally in what Beijing considers its waters.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/two-us-carrier-groups-conduct-exercises-in-south-china-sea-362502/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It "strongly implies this law can be used to intimidate the PRC's maritime neighbours," State Department spokesman Ned Price said, in a reference to the People's Republic of China.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eam-pitches-for-connectivity-from-arabian-sea-to-south-china-sea-363877">EAM pitches for connectivity from Arabian Sea to South China Sea</a>

The US urged all the parties operating in the South China Sea to act with "professionalism" and "restrain," Price said.&nbsp;

"We remind the PRC and all whose forces operate in the South China Sea that responsible maritime forces act with professionalism and restraint in the exercise of their authorities," Price said.&nbsp;

"We are further concerned that China may invoke this new law to assert its unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea."

He also said that the US is backing the previous administration's statement on the South China Sea issued in July, which has called Beijing's offshore resources across the majority of the South China Sea were "completely unlawful."

Earlier, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has voiced concern over Beijing's new maritime law in a call with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The United States on Friday expressed concerns over China's new legislation, saying the law can be used to "intimidate" China's maritime neighbours. China has enacted a new law that empowers its coast guard to use weapons against foreign ships entering illegally in what Beijing considers its waters.

The United States on Friday expressed concerns over China's new legislation, saying the law can be used to "intimidate" China's maritime neighbours. China has enacted a new law that empowers its coast guard to use weapons against foreign ships entering illegally in what Beijing considers its waters. Watch | It "strongly implies this law can be used to intimidate the PRC's maritime neighbours," State Department spokesman Ned Price said, in a reference to the People's Republic of China. Also read | EAM pitches for connectivity from Arabian Sea to South China Sea The US urged all the parties operating in the South China Sea to act with "professionalism" and "restrain," Price said. "We remind the PRC and all whose forces operate in the South China Sea that responsible maritime forces act with professionalism and restraint in the exercise of their authorities," Price said. "We are further concerned that China may invoke this new law to assert its unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea." He also said that the US is backing the previous administration's statement on the South China Sea issued in July, which has called Beijing's offshore resources across the majority of the South China Sea were "completely unlawful." Earlier, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has voiced concern over Beijing's new maritime law in a call with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi.

US expresses concern over China's new maritime law, says it can 'intimidate' neighbours

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday expressed concern about Chinese unilateral attempts to change status quo in East and South China seas in G7 talks, NHK World reported. He said Japan will say what needs to be said and demand action from Beijing. Leaders of G7 nations had teleconference on Friday just after 11 pm Japan time. This was the first G7 conference that included Suga, Joe Biden and Mario Draghi.

On the coronavirus pandemic, Suga said he has had an unwavering resolve to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people since assuming his post in September. He said that a lot had been learnt last year and his government had implemented what he believed to be the best measures.

Suga said vaccines will be the key to containing infections, adding that fair access in developing countries will be essential.&nbsp;

He called on the G7 to speed up the distribution of vaccines and oppose a protectionist approach to health issues. He also pledged to increase Japan`s contribution to a global framework for purchasing vaccines to 200 million dollars, reported NHK World.

Suga also expressed his determination to hold the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer. He said he will work with the International Olympic Committee to realize a safe Game. He called on the other countries for support. Suga said the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics can serve as proof that mankind has overcome the coronavirus.

(With ANI inputs)

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday expressed concern about Chinese unilateral attempts to change status quo in East and South China seas in G7 talks, NHK World reported.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday expressed concern about Chinese unilateral attempts to change status quo in East and South China seas in G7 talks, NHK World reported. He said Japan will say what needs to be said and demand action from Beijing. Leaders of G7 nations had teleconference on Friday just after 11 pm Japan time. This was the first G7 conference that included Suga, Joe Biden and Mario Draghi. On the coronavirus pandemic, Suga said he has had an unwavering resolve to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people since assuming his post in September. He said that a lot had been learnt last year and his government had implemented what he believed to be the best measures. Suga said vaccines will be the key to containing infections, adding that fair access in developing countries will be essential. He called on the G7 to speed up the distribution of vaccines and oppose a protectionist approach to health issues. He also pledged to increase Japan`s contribution to a global framework for purchasing vaccines to 200 million dollars, reported NHK World. Suga also expressed his determination to hold the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer. He said he will work with the International Olympic Committee to realize a safe Game. He called on the other countries for support. Suga said the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics can serve as proof that mankind has overcome the coronavirus. (With ANI inputs)

Japan expresses concern about Chinese attempts in East, South China Sea

Indian&nbsp;External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has pitched for connectivity from the "Arabian Sea to the South China Sea" even as New Delhi and Tokyo work together in tandem.

Speaking at an event in Guwahati, Jaishankar said, "approach to create connectivity to and within Assam, beyond to the North-East, then to neighbouring Myanmar and Bangladesh, but eventually push all the way by road, by sea, by air to Vietnam, to Japan."

India is working on a number of connectivity projects to connect northeast with East Asia. These include India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, with an aim to expand it to Vietnam via Laos.

The Kaladan Multimodal transport link will provide North East access via Sittwe Project and the Paletwa Inland Water Terminal. Work is on BIMSTEC masterplan on transport connectivity via 264 projects.

He lauded India Japan partnership, calling it "natural and close" and said, "India-Japan collaboration has always had a central place in our national modernization and development efforts." Japan has been involved in the funding of the Guwahati water supply project, road connectivity in the northeast, construction&nbsp;of a primary school in Manipur etc.

Recently New Delhi and Tokyo reached a pact for people from India to jo to Japan under "specified skilled workers" visa and will increase in people to people engagement.

Interestingly he pointed out to Assam becoming a "major player" in producing refined petroleum products and "a pipeline to supply Bangladesh high-speed diesel is an important beginning". &nbsp;India and Nepal recently opened a cross country oil pipeline, the first such pipeline in South Asia.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has pitched for connectivity from the "Arabian Sea to the South China Sea" even as New Delhi and Tokyo work together in tandem.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has pitched for connectivity from the "Arabian Sea to the South China Sea" even as New Delhi and Tokyo work together in tandem. Speaking at an event in Guwahati, Jaishankar said, "approach to create connectivity to and within Assam, beyond to the North-East, then to neighbouring Myanmar and Bangladesh, but eventually push all the way by road, by sea, by air to Vietnam, to Japan." India is working on a number of connectivity projects to connect northeast with East Asia. These include India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, with an aim to expand it to Vietnam via Laos. The Kaladan Multimodal transport link will provide North East access via Sittwe Project and the Paletwa Inland Water Terminal. Work is on BIMSTEC masterplan on transport connectivity via 264 projects. He lauded India Japan partnership, calling it "natural and close" and said, "India-Japan collaboration has always had a central place in our national modernization and development efforts." Japan has been involved in the funding of the Guwahati water supply project, road connectivity in the northeast, construction of a primary school in Manipur etc. Recently New Delhi and Tokyo reached a pact for people from India to jo to Japan under "specified skilled workers" visa and will increase in people to people engagement. Interestingly he pointed out to Assam becoming a "major player" in producing refined petroleum products and "a pipeline to supply Bangladesh high-speed diesel is an important beginning". India and Nepal recently opened a cross country oil pipeline, the first such pipeline in South Asia.

EAM pitches for connectivity from Arabian Sea to South China Sea

Chinese warships sailed into Japanese territorial waters - two days in a row. Meanwhile, a French nuclear attack submarine has conducted a patrol through the South China Sea. WION's Palki tells you how the West is answering China's belligerence.

Gravitas: French nuclear submarine patrols South China Sea

Two US carrier groups conducted joint exercises in the South China Sea, days after China condemned sailing of the destroyer USS John S McCain. China denounced the United States for damaging peace and stability.

Two US Carriers hold drills in South China Sea

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said the frequent moves by U.S. warships and aircraft into the South China Sea in a “show of force” was not conducive to regional peace and stability.

Two U.S. carrier groups conduct exercises in South China Sea

In a move likely to anger Beijing, a French nuclear attack submarine was among two navy ships that recently conducted a patrol through the South China Sea, its defence minister announced. &nbsp;

China claims most of the strategic waters as its territory.&nbsp;

On Twitter, Defence Minister Florence Parly said late on Monday, the SNA Emeraude was accompanied by support ship BSAM Seine for the passage.&nbsp;

"This extraordinary patrol has just completed a passage in the South China Sea. A striking proof of the capacity of our French Navy to deploy far away and for a long time together with our Australian, American and Japanese strategic partners," she tweeted along with a picture of the two vessels at sea.&nbsp;

China lays claim to nearly all of the South China Sea while Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all also claim parts of the region, believed to hold valuable oil and gas deposits.&nbsp;

US warships occasionally carry out 'freedom of navigation' missions through or close to waters claimed by Beijing to stress Washington's rejection of those claims.&nbsp;

The USS John S McCain last week sailed near islands in the South China Sea claimed by Beijing and conducted a transit through the Taiwan Strait, prompting a warning from China.&nbsp;

NATO member France has exclusive economic zones in the Pacific around its overseas territories and has stressed the importance of defending freedom of navigation in the region.&nbsp;

"Why such a mission? To enrich our knowledge of this area and affirm that international law is the only rule that is valid, whatever the sea where we sail," Parly tweeted.&nbsp;

The French patrol comes after the inauguration of US President Joe Biden, who has underscored support for Washington's Asian allies after four chaotic years of the Donald Trump administration.&nbsp;

In April 2019, there was a naval incident in the Taiwan Strait when Chinese ships told the French frigate Vendemiaire to leave the waterway that separates the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, another sensitive area claimed by Beijing.&nbsp;

In a move likely to anger Beijing, a French nuclear attack submarine was among two navy ships that recently conducted a patrol through the South China Sea, its defence minister announced.

In a move likely to anger Beijing, a French nuclear attack submarine was among two navy ships that recently conducted a patrol through the South China Sea, its defence minister announced. China claims most of the strategic waters as its territory. On Twitter, Defence Minister Florence Parly said late on Monday, the SNA Emeraude was accompanied by support ship BSAM Seine for the passage. "This extraordinary patrol has just completed a passage in the South China Sea. A striking proof of the capacity of our French Navy to deploy far away and for a long time together with our Australian, American and Japanese strategic partners," she tweeted along with a picture of the two vessels at sea. China lays claim to nearly all of the South China Sea while Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all also claim parts of the region, believed to hold valuable oil and gas deposits. US warships occasionally carry out 'freedom of navigation' missions through or close to waters claimed by Beijing to stress Washington's rejection of those claims. The USS John S McCain last week sailed near islands in the South China Sea claimed by Beijing and conducted a transit through the Taiwan Strait, prompting a warning from China. NATO member France has exclusive economic zones in the Pacific around its overseas territories and has stressed the importance of defending freedom of navigation in the region. "Why such a mission? To enrich our knowledge of this area and affirm that international law is the only rule that is valid, whatever the sea where we sail," Parly tweeted. The French patrol comes after the inauguration of US President Joe Biden, who has underscored support for Washington's Asian allies after four chaotic years of the Donald Trump administration. In April 2019, there was a naval incident in the Taiwan Strait when Chinese ships told the French frigate Vendemiaire to leave the waterway that separates the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, another sensitive area claimed by Beijing.

French nuclear attack sub patrols South China Sea

Two U.S. carrier groups conducted joint exercises in the South China Sea on Tuesday, days after a US&nbsp;warship sailed near Chinese-controlled islands in the disputed waters, as China denounced the United States for damaging peace and stability.

The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group and the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group "conducted a multitude of exercises aimed at increasing interoperability between assets as well as command and control capabilities", the US&nbsp;Navy said, marking the first dual-carrier operations in the busy waterway since July 2020.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-uss-nimitz-deployed-to-indo-pacific-361669/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said the frequent moves by US&nbsp;warships and aircraft into the South China Sea in a "show of force" was not conducive to regional peace and stability.

"China will continue to take necessary measures to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and security and work with countries in the region to firmly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea," he said.

The exercise comes days after China condemned the sailing of the destroyer, the USS John S. McCain, near the Chinese-controlled Paracel Islands in what the United States calls freedom of navigation operation - the first such mission by the US&nbsp;navy since President Joe Biden took office.

Last month, the US&nbsp;military said Chinese military flights over the South China Sea fit a pattern of destabilising and aggressive behaviour but posed no threat to a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike group in the region.

The United States has contested China's extensive territorial claims in the region, accusing it of militarising the South China Sea and trying to intimidate neighbours such as Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, who have claims that overlap with China's in the resource-rich area.

"We are committed to ensuring the lawful use of the sea that all nations enjoy under international law," Rear Admiral Jim Kirk, commander of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, said in a statement.

China has been infuriated by repeated US&nbsp;sailings near the islands it occupies and controls in the South China Sea. China says it has irrefutable sovereignty and has accused the United States of deliberately stoking tension.

China has also been angered by US&nbsp;warships sailing through the Taiwan Strait, including one last week, also the first such operation under the Biden administration.

Speaking in Taipei, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said US&nbsp;ships and aircraft carrying out freedom of navigation operations was reassuring.

"This demonstrates the clear US&nbsp;attitude towards challenges to the security status quo in the Indo-Pacific region," she said.

Two U.S. carrier groups conducted joint exercises in the South China Sea on Tuesday, days after a US warship sailed near Chinese-controlled islands in the disputed waters, as China denounced the United States for damaging peace and stability.

Two U.S. carrier groups conducted joint exercises in the South China Sea on Tuesday, days after a US warship sailed near Chinese-controlled islands in the disputed waters, as China denounced the United States for damaging peace and stability. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group and the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group "conducted a multitude of exercises aimed at increasing interoperability between assets as well as command and control capabilities", the US Navy said, marking the first dual-carrier operations in the busy waterway since July 2020. In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said the frequent moves by US warships and aircraft into the South China Sea in a "show of force" was not conducive to regional peace and stability. "China will continue to take necessary measures to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and security and work with countries in the region to firmly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea," he said. The exercise comes days after China condemned the sailing of the destroyer, the USS John S. McCain, near the Chinese-controlled Paracel Islands in what the United States calls freedom of navigation operation - the first such mission by the US navy since President Joe Biden took office. Last month, the US military said Chinese military flights over the South China Sea fit a pattern of destabilising and aggressive behaviour but posed no threat to a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike group in the region. The United States has contested China's extensive territorial claims in the region, accusing it of militarising the South China Sea and trying to intimidate neighbours such as Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, who have claims that overlap with China's in the resource-rich area. "We are committed to ensuring the lawful use of the sea that all nations enjoy under international law," Rear Admiral Jim Kirk, commander of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, said in a statement. China has been infuriated by repeated US sailings near the islands it occupies and controls in the South China Sea. China says it has irrefutable sovereignty and has accused the United States of deliberately stoking tension. China has also been angered by US warships sailing through the Taiwan Strait, including one last week, also the first such operation under the Biden administration. Speaking in Taipei, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said US ships and aircraft carrying out freedom of navigation operations was reassuring. "This demonstrates the clear US attitude towards challenges to the security status quo in the Indo-Pacific region," she said.

Two US carrier groups conduct exercises in South China Sea

China's military has condemned the US move of sending one of its warship vessels to sail near the Chinese-controlled Paracel Islands in the disputed South China Sea on Friday in a freedom of navigation operation.

Beijing said it had dispatched naval and air units to follow and warn away the ship.

This is the first such mission under President Joe Biden's new administration.

The busy waterway is one of a number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which include a trade war, US sanctions, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

China has anyway been infuriated by repeated US sailings near the islands Beijing occupies and controls in the South China Sea. China says it has irrefutable sovereignty and has accused Washington of deliberately stoking tensions.

The US Navy's 7th Fleet said the destroyer USS John S McCain "asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the vicinity of the Paracel Islands, consistent with international law".

The freedom of navigation operation upheld the rights, freedoms and lawful uses of the sea recognised in international law by challenging the "unlawful restrictions on innocent passage imposed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam", it said.

The Southern Theatre Command of China's People's Liberation Army said the ship had entered into what it termed the territorial waters of the Paracels without permission, "seriously infringing upon China's sovereignty and security".

The United States was "deliberately disrupting the good atmosphere of the South China Sea of "peace, friendship, and cooperation", it added.

China took full control of the Paracels in 1974 after a short battle with South Vietnamese forces. Vietnam, as well as Taiwan, continue to claim the islands.

(with inputs from Reuters)

China's military has condemned the US move of sending one of its warship vessels to sail near the Chinese-controlled Paracel Islands in the disputed South China Sea on Friday in a freedom of navigation operation.

China's military has condemned the US move of sending one of its warship vessels to sail near the Chinese-controlled Paracel Islands in the disputed South China Sea on Friday in a freedom of navigation operation. Beijing said it had dispatched naval and air units to follow and warn away the ship. This is the first such mission under President Joe Biden's new administration. The busy waterway is one of a number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which include a trade war, US sanctions, Hong Kong and Taiwan. China has anyway been infuriated by repeated US sailings near the islands Beijing occupies and controls in the South China Sea. China says it has irrefutable sovereignty and has accused Washington of deliberately stoking tensions. The US Navy's 7th Fleet said the destroyer USS John S McCain "asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the vicinity of the Paracel Islands, consistent with international law". The freedom of navigation operation upheld the rights, freedoms and lawful uses of the sea recognised in international law by challenging the "unlawful restrictions on innocent passage imposed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam", it said. The Southern Theatre Command of China's People's Liberation Army said the ship had entered into what it termed the territorial waters of the Paracels without permission, "seriously infringing upon China's sovereignty and security". The United States was "deliberately disrupting the good atmosphere of the South China Sea of "peace, friendship, and cooperation", it added. China took full control of the Paracels in 1974 after a short battle with South Vietnamese forces. Vietnam, as well as Taiwan, continue to claim the islands. (with inputs from Reuters)

Beijing warns off a US warship sailing near contested islands in South China Sea

The US military on Friday slammed ''destabilising and aggressive'' Chinese military flights in the past week in the South China Sea and accused it of&nbsp;ramping up tensions.

"The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group closely monitored all People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and Air Force (PLAAF) activity, and at no time did they pose a threat to US&nbsp;Navy ships, aircraft, or sailors," the US&nbsp;military's Pacific Command said in a statement.

Taiwan reported that several Chinese air force aircraft flew into the southwestern corner of its air defence identification zone last weekend, near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands, including fighter jets and nuclear-capable H-6 bombers.

Regional security and diplomatic sources familiar with the situation said China's air force was dispatched on missions beginning mid-morning on January&nbsp;23, coinciding with the US&nbsp;carrier group passing south of the Pratas.

China, which has long geared its military towards defending itself against the United States, was conducting exercises that would simulate an operation against an aircraft carrier, the sources said.

"They purposely conducted the drills when the US&nbsp;carrier was passing through the Bashi Channel," one source said, referring to the waterway between southern Taiwan and the northern Philippines.

"That was not just meant for Taiwan. Most importantly, China is trying to tackle the issue of the South China Sea: it wants to stop the US&nbsp;military from entering the South China Sea. China wants to diminish the United States' weight in the western Pacific."

On Thursday, the Chinese ministry toughened its language towards Chinese-claimed Taiwan, warning after last weekend's stepped-up military activity near the island that "independence means war" and that its armed forces were acting in response to provocation and foreign interference.

China claims almost all the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, where it has established military outposts on artificial islands. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the sea.

The waters have become a flashpoint in the Sino-US&nbsp;relationship. Washington regularly accuses Beijing of militarizing the South China Sea and trying to intimidate Asian neighbours who might want to exploit its extensive oil and gas reserves.

China, in turn, regularly bristles at US&nbsp;military activity in the region, saying on Monday that such actions are not conducive to peace and stability in the region.

The US&nbsp;Navy regularly conducts "freedom of navigation" operations by ships close to some of the islands China occupies, asserting freedom of access to international waterways.

The US&nbsp;Pacific Command renewed its pledge to continue operations in the region.

"The United States will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows, demonstrating resolve through our operational presence throughout the region," Pacific Command said.

&nbsp;

The US military on Friday slammed ''destabilising and aggressive'' Chinese military flights in the past week in the South China Sea and accused it of ramping up tensions.

The US military on Friday slammed ''destabilising and aggressive'' Chinese military flights in the past week in the South China Sea and accused it of ramping up tensions. "The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group closely monitored all People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and Air Force (PLAAF) activity, and at no time did they pose a threat to US Navy ships, aircraft, or sailors," the US military's Pacific Command said in a statement. Taiwan reported that several Chinese air force aircraft flew into the southwestern corner of its air defence identification zone last weekend, near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands, including fighter jets and nuclear-capable H-6 bombers. Regional security and diplomatic sources familiar with the situation said China's air force was dispatched on missions beginning mid-morning on January 23, coinciding with the US carrier group passing south of the Pratas. China, which has long geared its military towards defending itself against the United States, was conducting exercises that would simulate an operation against an aircraft carrier, the sources said. "They purposely conducted the drills when the US carrier was passing through the Bashi Channel," one source said, referring to the waterway between southern Taiwan and the northern Philippines. "That was not just meant for Taiwan. Most importantly, China is trying to tackle the issue of the South China Sea: it wants to stop the US military from entering the South China Sea. China wants to diminish the United States' weight in the western Pacific." On Thursday, the Chinese ministry toughened its language towards Chinese-claimed Taiwan, warning after last weekend's stepped-up military activity near the island that "independence means war" and that its armed forces were acting in response to provocation and foreign interference. China claims almost all the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, where it has established military outposts on artificial islands. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the sea. The waters have become a flashpoint in the Sino-US relationship. Washington regularly accuses Beijing of militarizing the South China Sea and trying to intimidate Asian neighbours who might want to exploit its extensive oil and gas reserves. China, in turn, regularly bristles at US military activity in the region, saying on Monday that such actions are not conducive to peace and stability in the region. The US Navy regularly conducts "freedom of navigation" operations by ships close to some of the islands China occupies, asserting freedom of access to international waterways. The US Pacific Command renewed its pledge to continue operations in the region. "The United States will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows, demonstrating resolve through our operational presence throughout the region," Pacific Command said.

US military berates ‘destabilising’ Chinese flights over South China Sea

China will conduct military exercises in the South China Sea this week, just days after Beijing bristled at a US aircraft carrier group’s entry into the disputed waters.

China to conduct military drills in disputed South China Sea

Earlier, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said that eight Chinese H-6K bombers, four J-16 fighter jets and a Y-8 anti-submarine aircraft had entered the ADIZ.

China says U.S. military intervention in South-China Sea not good for peace

The exercise is taking place at a time China has been expanding its military assertiveness in the South China Sea notwithstanding mounting global concerns and criticism. The exercise is expected to boost defence and bilateral relations between both the nations.

India, Vietnam to conduct naval exercise in South China Sea

Japan on Friday invited Germany's warship for a naval drill to counter China's growing regional influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

In talks between Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi and his German counterpart, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Kishi hoped that a German warship would hold joint exercises with Japan`s Self-Defense Forces in 2021. 
 
Kishi suggested that such an act would also ensure the right of passage through the South China Sea (SCS), most of which is now claimed by China. Over years, Japan has voiced for a free and open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), as a large volume of trade goes through the region, particularly energy supplies.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quad-japan-australia-align-to-counter-chinas-growing-regional-influence-344175">Quad: With an eye on China,&nbsp;Japan to&nbsp;&nbsp;Australia align</a>

Japanese Defence Minister stressed told Germany&nbsp;that China is "strengthening its attempts to unilaterally change the status quo with force in the background." He also welcomed Germany`s efforts to strengthen its maritime presence and contribute to maintaining order in the region. 
 
The defence ministers of the two nations met at a time when Germany had expressed interest over sending its navy to patrol the Indian Ocean trade routes. Addressing Australian and German think tanks, Kramp-Karrenbauer had recently said that her country would also like to have closer defence cooperation with Australia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-military-bases-vulnerable-to-attack-indefensible-during-war-report-348120">South China Sea military bases vulnerable to attack, indefensible during war: Report</a>

With an eye on China's claims on the disputed islands in the South China Sea, several&nbsp;smaller nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei, as well as Taiwan are joining hands with the United States to fend off a common enemy. 
 
The communist giant has also taken over islands and reefs, often violating the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) by sending fishing trawlers, research and exploration vessels and even Coast Guard ships. 
 
Owing to Chinese belligerence in the strategic region, a number of European nations have espoused interest in protecting the trade routes in the Indo-Pacific. Nations like France, the Netherlands and Germany have already revised their foreign policies towards China and the Indo-Pacific region, which means that the European Union (EU) too will follow suit in the near future. 
 
The UK too is in the process of upgrading its Indo-Pacific outlook. It has already indicated that its aircraft carrier strike group Queen Elizabeth is likely to visit the region in January 2021. 
 
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has been reaching out to ASEAN countries like Vietnam and Indonesia specifically to strengthen economic cooperation and also to garner support for the FOIP,&nbsp;an issue which is close to the Japanese. Japan is active in the four-member Quad comprising India, US, Japan and Australia, whose navies held the Malabar maritime drills in November in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. 
 
Japan has been proactive in strengthening relations with like-minded countries, seeking to build alternative supply chains, strengthening defence cooperation and building alliances for rule of law, freedom of navigation and keeping the shipping lanes free and open.

&nbsp;

Japan on Friday invited Germany's warship for a naval drill to counter China's growing regional influence in the Indo-Pacific region. In talks between Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi and his German counterpart, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Kishi hoped that a German warship would hold joint exercises with Japan`s Self-Defense Forces in 2021.

Japan on Friday invited Germany's warship for a naval drill to counter China's growing regional influence in the Indo-Pacific region. In talks between Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi and his German counterpart, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Kishi hoped that a German warship would hold joint exercises with Japan`s Self-Defense Forces in 2021. Kishi suggested that such an act would also ensure the right of passage through the South China Sea (SCS), most of which is now claimed by China. Over years, Japan has voiced for a free and open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), as a large volume of trade goes through the region, particularly energy supplies. Also read: Quad: With an eye on China, Japan to Australia align Japanese Defence Minister stressed told Germany that China is "strengthening its attempts to unilaterally change the status quo with force in the background." He also welcomed Germany`s efforts to strengthen its maritime presence and contribute to maintaining order in the region. The defence ministers of the two nations met at a time when Germany had expressed interest over sending its navy to patrol the Indian Ocean trade routes. Addressing Australian and German think tanks, Kramp-Karrenbauer had recently said that her country would also like to have closer defence cooperation with Australia. Also read: South China Sea military bases vulnerable to attack, indefensible during war: Report With an eye on China's claims on the disputed islands in the South China Sea, several smaller nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei, as well as Taiwan are joining hands with the United States to fend off a common enemy. The communist giant has also taken over islands and reefs, often violating the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) by sending fishing trawlers, research and exploration vessels and even Coast Guard ships. Owing to Chinese belligerence in the strategic region, a number of European nations have espoused interest in protecting the trade routes in the Indo-Pacific. Nations like France, the Netherlands and Germany have already revised their foreign policies towards China and the Indo-Pacific region, which means that the European Union (EU) too will follow suit in the near future. The UK too is in the process of upgrading its Indo-Pacific outlook. It has already indicated that its aircraft carrier strike group Queen Elizabeth is likely to visit the region in January 2021. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has been reaching out to ASEAN countries like Vietnam and Indonesia specifically to strengthen economic cooperation and also to garner support for the FOIP, an issue which is close to the Japanese. Japan is active in the four-member Quad comprising India, US, Japan and Australia, whose navies held the Malabar maritime drills in November in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Japan has been proactive in strengthening relations with like-minded countries, seeking to build alternative supply chains, strengthening defence cooperation and building alliances for rule of law, freedom of navigation and keeping the shipping lanes free and open.

Japan invites German warship for naval drill to counter China's growing regional influence

The Passex exercises are a first since the Galwan incident earlier this year which saw aggressive action by Chinese forces at the Line of actual control leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers.

Indian, Vietnam navy to undertake PASSEX exercises in South China Sea

Indian and Vietnamese Navy will undertake PASSEX or Passage Exercise in the South China Sea. Indian Navy Ship INS Kiltan which reached Nha Rong Port, Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday will take part in the exercises which will take place on&nbsp;26&nbsp;and&nbsp;27&nbsp;December. The Indian Ship reached the country with 10 tons of humanitarian assistance under mission Sagar 3.

The Indian Navy in a release said," current visit seeks to enhance maritime cooperation between the two Navies and will further bolster the strong bonds of friendship between the two countries and contribute to security and stability in the region."

India and Vietnam have increased high-level engagement including defence engagement. New Delhi on Monday at the India-Vietnam virtual summit handed over first of the 12 High-Speed Guard Boat to the country. The boats have been handed over under $100 million Defence Line of Credit extended by New Delhi to Hanoi. India is also helping in training and capacity building programmes across the three services and coast guards for the country.

The Passex exercises are a first since the Galwan incident earlier this year which saw aggressive action by Chinese forces at the Line of actual control leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers.

China has also been violative of Vietnam's sovereignty in the South China sea trying to claim large swathes of the sea-based on its so-called "nine-dash line". The Nine-Dash line concept of China, under which it claims 90 per cent&nbsp;of the sea, has been dismissed by an arbitral award by UNCLOS or United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea.

Indian and Vietnamese Navy will undertake PASSEX or Passage Exercise in the South China Sea. Indian Navy Ship INS Kiltan which reached Nha Rong Port, Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday will take part in the exercises which will take place on 26 and 27 December.

Indian and Vietnamese Navy will undertake PASSEX or Passage Exercise in the South China Sea. Indian Navy Ship INS Kiltan which reached Nha Rong Port, Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday will take part in the exercises which will take place on 26 and 27 December. The Indian Ship reached the country with 10 tons of humanitarian assistance under mission Sagar 3. The Indian Navy in a release said," current visit seeks to enhance maritime cooperation between the two Navies and will further bolster the strong bonds of friendship between the two countries and contribute to security and stability in the region." India and Vietnam have increased high-level engagement including defence engagement. New Delhi on Monday at the India-Vietnam virtual summit handed over first of the 12 High-Speed Guard Boat to the country. The boats have been handed over under $100 million Defence Line of Credit extended by New Delhi to Hanoi. India is also helping in training and capacity building programmes across the three services and coast guards for the country. The Passex exercises are a first since the Galwan incident earlier this year which saw aggressive action by Chinese forces at the Line of actual control leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers. China has also been violative of Vietnam's sovereignty in the South China sea trying to claim large swathes of the sea-based on its so-called "nine-dash line". The Nine-Dash line concept of China, under which it claims 90 per cent of the sea, has been dismissed by an arbitral award by UNCLOS or United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea.

US military warned on Thursday that US warships will be "more assertive" against international law violations particularly by China. China has long taken expansionist actions in South China Sea. In a document, the Pentagon said that several countries, notably Russia and China "are contesting the balance of power in key regions and seeking to undermine the existing world order."

"Our globally deployed naval forces interact with Chinese and Russian warships and aircraft daily," the document said, noting their "growing aggressiveness" and calling China "the most pressing, long-term strategic threat."

The latest incident between the US and China naval forces took place in late August, when Beijing said it had driven an American warship from the disputed Paracel archipelago.&nbsp;

China claims almost all of the islands of South China Sea. This is disputed by other countries in the region like Vietnam, Malaysia, Philppines and Brunei.

To counter China, the US has been sending ships to the region more frequently to carry out what it calls "freedom of navigation" operations.

To maintain strategic advantage over the Chinese Navy whose "battle force has more than tripled in size in only two decades," the US Navy plans to modernize with smaller, more agile and even remotely piloted ships.

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Penatagon's dpcument said that US ships will also "accept calculated tactical risks and adopt a more assertive posture in our day-to-day operations"&nbsp;

For Navy Rear Admiral Jay Bynum that means being "more responsive, more assertive."

"In the past, our behavior was de-escalation. We would turn away and would minimize risk in those individual contacts," he said, noting that the Navy "might be ceding ground" with the approach.

(With AFP inputs)

US military warned on Thursday that US warships will be "more assertive" against international law violations particularly by China. China has long taken expansionist actions in South China Sea.

US military warned on Thursday that US warships will be "more assertive" against international law violations particularly by China. China has long taken expansionist actions in South China Sea. In a document, the Pentagon said that several countries, notably Russia and China "are contesting the balance of power in key regions and seeking to undermine the existing world order." "Our globally deployed naval forces interact with Chinese and Russian warships and aircraft daily," the document said, noting their "growing aggressiveness" and calling China "the most pressing, long-term strategic threat." The latest incident between the US and China naval forces took place in late August, when Beijing said it had driven an American warship from the disputed Paracel archipelago. China claims almost all of the islands of South China Sea. This is disputed by other countries in the region like Vietnam, Malaysia, Philppines and Brunei. To counter China, the US has been sending ships to the region more frequently to carry out what it calls "freedom of navigation" operations. To maintain strategic advantage over the Chinese Navy whose "battle force has more than tripled in size in only two decades," the US Navy plans to modernize with smaller, more agile and even remotely piloted ships. Also Read | As US withdraws aid, Chinese mission to push Sri Lanka further into debt succeeds Penatagon's dpcument said that US ships will also "accept calculated tactical risks and adopt a more assertive posture in our day-to-day operations" For Navy Rear Admiral Jay Bynum that means being "more responsive, more assertive." "In the past, our behavior was de-escalation. We would turn away and would minimize risk in those individual contacts," he said, noting that the Navy "might be ceding ground" with the approach. (With AFP inputs)

To counter China, US Navy to be 'more assertive'

Beijing has gone through years turning islands and reefs in the South China Sea into army installations and airstrips&nbsp;however, such region could be defenseless against assault and near shaky in case of war, a Chinese military magazine has cautioned.&nbsp;

The bases are "desolate in the removed ocean," and a long way from both the Chinese territory and different islands in the huge questioned waters, which length some 3.3 million square kilometers (1.3 million square miles), said Naval and Merchant Ships, a Beijing-based magazine distributed by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, which supplies the People's Liberation Army.&nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/south-china-sea-row-why-us-has-deployed-warship-uss-nimitz-in-naval-exercise-with-india-314673">South China Sea row: Why US has deployed warship USS Nimitz in Naval exercise with India</a>

"Islands and reefs in the South China Sea have remarkable favorable circumstances in shielding public sway and keeping up a military presence in the vast ocean, yet they have normal shortcomings concerning their own military protection," it added.

China has been transforming&nbsp;the reefs and atolls it possesses on the contested Spratly Islands since 2015, transforming them into fake islands. It has likewise constructed airstrips and other military offices and sent hardware, for example, hostile to airplane firearms and close-in weapons frameworks, as indicated by the US think tank the Center for Strategic and International Studies.&nbsp;

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/south-china-sea-standoff-can-quad-check-chinas-encroachment-270414">South China Sea standoff: Can Quad check China's encroachment?</a>

These moves elevated feelings of trepidation among rival South China Sea petitioners, for example, Vietnam and the Philippines, which dread the military development could permit Beijing to assault warplanes or destroy rockets from the offices.

China&nbsp;claims 90 per cent&nbsp;of the potentially energy-rich&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea, but Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam each claim parts of it.

However, an article in the most recent release of Naval and Merchant Ships, a Beijing-based month to month magazine, featured the fake islands' shortcomings in four territories: their good ways from the territory, little size, the restricted limit of their airstrips and the various courses by which they could be assaulted.&nbsp;

<img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec068dab-5921-4eff-9584-5b80e832f7c0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_82.jpg" />

In picture: Fiery Cross Reef, part of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea/&nbsp;Center for Strategic and International Studies

The magazine, distributed by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, which assembles ships for the Chinese naval force, likewise cautioned that they presently couldn't seem to accomplish any critical hostile abilities.&nbsp;

"These counterfeit islands have one of a kind preferences in shielding Chinese sway and keeping up a military presence in the profound sea, yet they have characteristic burdens in self-protection," said the article.&nbsp;

The magazine said the islands were somewhere down in the South China Sea and a long way from the Chinese territory. It additionally cautioned there was no cognizant chain associating them, so it is hard to offer help in the event that one went under assault.&nbsp;

"Take the case of the Fiery Cross Reef. It has a runway presently, however it's 1,000km (600 miles) away from Sanya city in Hainan area." The distance implies that China's quickest battle uphold boats would require over 20 hours to arrive at the island.&nbsp;

The article likewise contended that the islands were excessively far away to convey the J-16, China's most developed multi-job strike warrior, successfully. The warriors couldn't watch the region as a result of the distance and could be effortlessly captured or assaulted by surface boats.&nbsp;

It proceeded with that the vast majority of the islands just had one runway and didn't have the space to give the offices to help more than each airplane in turn.&nbsp;

In case of contention, this implies that a plane dumping or refueling would need to remain on the runway consistently, keeping different planes from utilizing it.&nbsp;

The airstrips are likewise near the sea, and the article said this left them presented to harm from tides and heat and humidity.&nbsp;

The magazine likewise said the fake islands were too little to even consider surviving significant assaults. The vast majority of the islands are level and have restricted vegetation or rocks.&nbsp;

This implies there is little cover against an assault and the best the Chinese military can do to secure gear and supplies is fabricate guarded sanctuaries out of materials like steel – which must be shipped from the terrain and can't withstand a continued rocket torrent.&nbsp;

The article likewise cautioned that close by islands were held by rival inquirers, and said that if the US upheld partners, for example, the Philippines or Malaysia in any contention, the were numerous methodologies from which it could assault –, for example, the Philippine island of Palawan, toward the east of the Spratlys, or the Strait of Malacca toward the west.

Beijing has gone through years turning islands and reefs in the South China Sea into army installations and airstrips however, such region could be defenseless against assault and near shaky in case of war, a Chinese military magazine has cautioned.

Beijing has gone through years turning islands and reefs in the South China Sea into army installations and airstrips however, such region could be defenseless against assault and near shaky in case of war, a Chinese military magazine has cautioned. The bases are "desolate in the removed ocean," and a long way from both the Chinese territory and different islands in the huge questioned waters, which length some 3.3 million square kilometers (1.3 million square miles), said Naval and Merchant Ships, a Beijing-based magazine distributed by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, which supplies the People's Liberation Army. Also see: South China Sea row: Why US has deployed warship USS Nimitz in Naval exercise with India "Islands and reefs in the South China Sea have remarkable favorable circumstances in shielding public sway and keeping up a military presence in the vast ocean, yet they have normal shortcomings concerning their own military protection," it added. China has been transforming the reefs and atolls it possesses on the contested Spratly Islands since 2015, transforming them into fake islands. It has likewise constructed airstrips and other military offices and sent hardware, for example, hostile to airplane firearms and close-in weapons frameworks, as indicated by the US think tank the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Also read| South China Sea standoff: Can Quad check China's encroachment? These moves elevated feelings of trepidation among rival South China Sea petitioners, for example, Vietnam and the Philippines, which dread the military development could permit Beijing to assault warplanes or destroy rockets from the offices. China claims 90 per cent of the potentially energy-rich South China Sea, but Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam each claim parts of it. However, an article in the most recent release of Naval and Merchant Ships, a Beijing-based month to month magazine, featured the fake islands' shortcomings in four territories: their good ways from the territory, little size, the restricted limit of their airstrips and the various courses by which they could be assaulted. In picture: Fiery Cross Reef, part of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea/ Center for Strategic and International Studies The magazine, distributed by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, which assembles ships for the Chinese naval force, likewise cautioned that they presently couldn't seem to accomplish any critical hostile abilities. "These counterfeit islands have one of a kind preferences in shielding Chinese sway and keeping up a military presence in the profound sea, yet they have characteristic burdens in self-protection," said the article. The magazine said the islands were somewhere down in the South China Sea and a long way from the Chinese territory. It additionally cautioned there was no cognizant chain associating them, so it is hard to offer help in the event that one went under assault. "Take the case of the Fiery Cross Reef. It has a runway presently, however it's 1,000km (600 miles) away from Sanya city in Hainan area." The distance implies that China's quickest battle uphold boats would require over 20 hours to arrive at the island. The article likewise contended that the islands were excessively far away to convey the J-16, China's most developed multi-job strike warrior, successfully. The warriors couldn't watch the region as a result of the distance and could be effortlessly captured or assaulted by surface boats. It proceeded with that the vast majority of the islands just had one runway and didn't have the space to give the offices to help more than each airplane in turn. In case of contention, this implies that a plane dumping or refueling would need to remain on the runway consistently, keeping different planes from utilizing it. The airstrips are likewise near the sea, and the article said this left them presented to harm from tides and heat and humidity. The magazine likewise said the fake islands were too little to even consider surviving significant assaults. The vast majority of the islands are level and have restricted vegetation or rocks. This implies there is little cover against an assault and the best the Chinese military can do to secure gear and supplies is fabricate guarded sanctuaries out of materials like steel – which must be shipped from the terrain and can't withstand a continued rocket torrent. The article likewise cautioned that close by islands were held by rival inquirers, and said that if the US upheld partners, for example, the Philippines or Malaysia in any contention, the were numerous methodologies from which it could assault –, for example, the Philippine island of Palawan, toward the east of the Spratlys, or the Strait of Malacca toward the west.

South China Sea military bases vulnerable to attack, indefensible during war: Report

China has not concealed its ambition to become the global superpower by dominating the world politically, economically and militarily. To achieve its ambition, China believes that any means, ethical or unethical, would be appropriate. It further thinks that the world opinion is impotent and need not be taken seriously and can even be ignored with contempt, so long as it remains economically and militarily strong.

In the past, China has aggressively occupied Tibet and in the process massacred thousands of innocent Tibetans. It is laying claims to the South China Sea and Senkaku Islands, with least care about the protest from Japan, Vietnam, Philippines and others. It is occupying thousands of kilometres of Indian Territory and is claiming more. While it is threatening to invade Taiwan, which may well happen sooner than later, it is suppressing liberty and freedom of people in Hong Kong with brutal force. Several countries have objected to China’s such aggressive strategies but China is going ahead, as it is convinced that the world opinion matters little.

China very well knows and probably several countries also know that China is vulnerable to trade pressure, as it’s economy is very largely dependent on exploiting the global market. &nbsp;To check China’s greed and ambition, US President Trump started a trade war, which impacted China to some extent. &nbsp; But, Trump did not get much support from other countries including those in Western Europe.

Now, with most countries becoming weakened due to COVID 19 crisis and USA facing humiliating internal conditions due to bitter hate politics between the two parties and in the process getting it’s global image severely hurt, China&nbsp;obviously thinks that present is the right time to assert it’s position and move on with its clever strategies.

With China’s expectation that every country in the world can be made to be tempted by China’s huge market and knowing very well that no country in the world would challenge China that would make them lose China’s market, China&nbsp;has successfully kicked off RCEP ( Regional Comprehensive Economic &nbsp;Partnership ).

Countries which have been clearly accusing China in recent time like Australia, Japan, Philippines have joined the RCEP with the clear objective of enhancing trade with China.

Only India has refrained from signing RCEP with the courage of conviction and confidence that it can protect its interests and it has alternate option without joining RCEP.

In recent months, we have been repeatedly hearing about QUAD where India, Japan, Australia and the USA have formed an alliance, which is widely perceived to be an anti-China alliance.&nbsp; 
 
China and Australian governments have been exchanging bitter statements. Japan even went to the extent of providing special incentives to Japanese companies to withdraw the investments from China. Now, Australia, Japan and twelve other countries who have certainly expressed doubts and misgivings about China’s intentions in recent times have joined RCEP. &nbsp;What to make of this?

Obviously, these countries seem to think that economic interests and political interests are a different matter. They do not seem to understand that it would be a naïve idea to separate economics and politics in devising the policies for any country.

China has ensured that its interests would be protected even if the trade war with the USA would continue, by successfully enticing fourteen countries to sign RCEP. China would certainly dump its goods on these countries and most of these countries would not be able to get benefits from entering the Chinese market to the extent that China would gain by “invading” the markets of these countries.

Perhaps, &nbsp;countries like Australia, Japan, Korea which are all reasonably well developed seem to be thinking that China would not be able to use their countries as dumping ground for its goods and services. This remains to be seen.

Even a casual observer cannot but get an impression that countries like Japan and Australia have fallen into China’s trap. Certainly, China would not give up its claims on the South China Sea or Senkaku Island, in spite of the affected countries like Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines joining RCEP.

They are bound to learn at great cost soon that their sacrificing political interests for the sake of economic interests are an unwise gamble and short-sighted policy.

With several weak countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and a few others already falling into China’s trap, China now seems to feel confident that it’s strategies and approaches have been further vindicated by its clever and successful RCEP strategy.

By joining this RCEP, Japan and Australia, who are part of the QUAD, have belittled themselves and have virtually accepted that China is a &nbsp;big brother and in the process, they have made &nbsp;QUAD &nbsp;Accord a laughing stock, which virtually means that they themselves have become a laughing stock in the eyes of the world.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do&nbsp;not represent the views of&nbsp;WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse&nbsp;the views of the writer)

China has not concealed its ambition to become the global superpower by dominating the world politically, economically and militarily. To achieve its ambition, China believes that any means, ethical or unethical, would be appropriate.

China has not concealed its ambition to become the global superpower by dominating the world politically, economically and militarily. To achieve its ambition, China believes that any means, ethical or unethical, would be appropriate. It further thinks that the world opinion is impotent and need not be taken seriously and can even be ignored with contempt, so long as it remains economically and militarily strong. In the past, China has aggressively occupied Tibet and in the process massacred thousands of innocent Tibetans. It is laying claims to the South China Sea and Senkaku Islands, with least care about the protest from Japan, Vietnam, Philippines and others. It is occupying thousands of kilometres of Indian Territory and is claiming more. While it is threatening to invade Taiwan, which may well happen sooner than later, it is suppressing liberty and freedom of people in Hong Kong with brutal force. Several countries have objected to China’s such aggressive strategies but China is going ahead, as it is convinced that the world opinion matters little. China very well knows and probably several countries also know that China is vulnerable to trade pressure, as it’s economy is very largely dependent on exploiting the global market. To check China’s greed and ambition, US President Trump started a trade war, which impacted China to some extent. But, Trump did not get much support from other countries including those in Western Europe. Now, with most countries becoming weakened due to COVID 19 crisis and USA facing humiliating internal conditions due to bitter hate politics between the two parties and in the process getting it’s global image severely hurt, China obviously thinks that present is the right time to assert it’s position and move on with its clever strategies. With China’s expectation that every country in the world can be made to be tempted by China’s huge market and knowing very well that no country in the world would challenge China that would make them lose China’s market, China has successfully kicked off RCEP ( Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership ). Countries which have been clearly accusing China in recent time like Australia, Japan, Philippines have joined the RCEP with the clear objective of enhancing trade with China. Only India has refrained from signing RCEP with the courage of conviction and confidence that it can protect its interests and it has alternate option without joining RCEP. In recent months, we have been repeatedly hearing about QUAD where India, Japan, Australia and the USA have formed an alliance, which is widely perceived to be an anti-China alliance. China and Australian governments have been exchanging bitter statements. Japan even went to the extent of providing special incentives to Japanese companies to withdraw the investments from China. Now, Australia, Japan and twelve other countries who have certainly expressed doubts and misgivings about China’s intentions in recent times have joined RCEP. What to make of this? Obviously, these countries seem to think that economic interests and political interests are a different matter. They do not seem to understand that it would be a naïve idea to separate economics and politics in devising the policies for any country. China has ensured that its interests would be protected even if the trade war with the USA would continue, by successfully enticing fourteen countries to sign RCEP. China would certainly dump its goods on these countries and most of these countries would not be able to get benefits from entering the Chinese market to the extent that China would gain by “invading” the markets of these countries. Perhaps, countries like Australia, Japan, Korea which are all reasonably well developed seem to be thinking that China would not be able to use their countries as dumping ground for its goods and services. This remains to be seen. Even a casual observer cannot but get an impression that countries like Japan and Australia have fallen into China’s trap. Certainly, China would not give up its claims on the South China Sea or Senkaku Island, in spite of the affected countries like Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines joining RCEP. They are bound to learn at great cost soon that their sacrificing political interests for the sake of economic interests are an unwise gamble and short-sighted policy. With several weak countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and a few others already falling into China’s trap, China now seems to feel confident that it’s strategies and approaches have been further vindicated by its clever and successful RCEP strategy. By joining this RCEP, Japan and Australia, who are part of the QUAD, have belittled themselves and have virtually accepted that China is a big brother and in the process, they have made QUAD Accord a laughing stock, which virtually means that they themselves have become a laughing stock in the eyes of the world. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

RCEP: China’s strategy to browbeat the world

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