US’ Indo-Pacific Strategy

Intro:-
The United States, alongside its allied countries, is actively pursuing a
comprehensive strategy aimed at encircling China in the Indo-Pacific
region. This strategy involves
1. strengthening military partnerships,
2. establishing forward military bases,
3. conducting joint exercises,
4. and patrols near China’s maritime periphery.
Additionally, the US is forging
1. security alliances and partnerships with regional countries,
2. providing military assistance,
3. and engaging in diplomatic efforts to curb China’s assertive
behavior.
Through this multifaceted approach, the US and its allies seek to
counterbalance China’s growing military and economic power.
During the George W. Bush administration, the concept of
encirclement was initially introduced when National Security
Advisor Condoleezza Rice proposed the formation of an alliance in
Asia to counterbalance China’s power and strengthen the United
States’ influence. However, this plan took a backseat as the focus
shifted towards the “war on terror” and the allocation of military
resources to the Middle East.
The containment strategy resurfaced under the Obama
administration with its “pivot to Asia” approach. This involved
increasing military cooperation with Vietnam, the Philippines, and
Australia, mediating diplomatic relations between Japan and South
Korea, establishing military installations in the Philippines, restoring
diplomatic ties with Myanmar, expanding naval presence in
Singapore, and hosting a summit in 2016 with leaders from the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Further development to counter china growth after Obama

The Trump administration significantly intensified the pursuit of the

military encirclement strategy. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
revitalized the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), an alliance
between the U.S., Japan, India, and Australia, often referred to as
the “Asian NATO.” This alliance conducted joint military exercises
and collaborated on strategies to counter China’s influence in the
Indo-Pacific region. The Trump administration also strengthened
diplomatic relations with Taiwan and enhanced military ties with
Australia, Japan, and South Korea. Additionally, there was an
increase in U.S. military presence and operations in the South
China Sea.

The encirclement strategy has been further intensified by the Biden

administration. This administration was responsible for
establishing AUKUS, an alliance involving the United States, the
United Kingdom, and Australia, as well as JAPHUS, a trilateral
alliance between the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines, both of
which are aimed at countering China. Additionally, in December
2021, President Biden signed the 2022 National Defense
Authorization Act, a defense bill worth $768 billion, with a specific
emphasis on containing China. The majority of this funding will be
directed towards acquiring ships and aircraft to support the U.S.
military presence in the South China Sea and implementing
programs to strengthen military relationships in the Indo-Pacific
region. The bill also designates $7.1 billion to enhance the current
posture, capabilities, and activities of U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific
area.
The series of developments well depicts the strategy of the United
States and the west to encircle Beijing. It includes, Japan’s Military
Build-up, NATO’s pivot to Asia, arm sales to Taiwan, revival of the
US-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (ECDA)
and Modi’s Visit and India’s so-called economic miracle.

Japan’s military growth supports US geopolitics

Japan’s recent decision to increase its defense budget and bolster
its military capabilities marks a significant development in the Asia-
Pacific region, as highlighted in my previous column titled ‘Japan’s
military build-up.’ With a defense spending increase of around 43
trillion yen ($314 billion) from fiscal year 2023 to 2027, Japan’s
defense budget will become the world’s third-largest, after the US
and China. This substantial investment signifies Japan’s intent to
counter and encircle China militarily. The defense strategy includes
the acquisition of standoff missiles for counterforce strikes and the
development of pre-emptive counterstrike capabilities, such as
Tomahawk cruise missiles from the US and the development of
hypersonic weapons. By enhancing its defense capabilities, Japan
aims to strengthen its position in the face of China’s rapid military
rise and to actively contribute to US geopolitical game.
NATO’s expansion of its presence in the Asia-Pacific region
underscores its strategic shift towards containing and encircling
China militarily. This includes the establishment of a liaison office in
Tokyo, which will serve as NATO’s first office of this nature in Asia.
The primary objective of this move is to facilitate regular
consultations between NATO, Japan, and key regional partners like
South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. By recognizing the
emerging challenges posed by China, in addition to its traditional
focus on Russia, NATO aims to enhance military cooperation and
coordination with these nations. The opening of the liaison office
and the forthcoming Individually Tailored Partnership Program
(ITPP) between NATO and Japan signal a collective commitment to
counter China’s increasing influence and prevent it from emerging
as a formidable competitor to Western powers. However, these
developments have sparked criticism from Beijing, underscoring the
escalating tensions between NATO and China and the potential for
a volatile geopolitical landscape with far-reaching implications.

US arm sales to Taiwan is against one china policy

In another recent development, the United States government has
announced its approval of arms sales to Taiwan, amounting to a
substantial total value of US$440 million. This endorsement
includes a diverse range of ammunition and spare parts specifically
designated for military wheeled vehicles and weapons. The first
package, valued at US$332.2 million, consists of various items
such as 30mm High Explosive Incendiary-Tracer rounds, 30mm
multi-purpose rounds, 30mm training rounds, and associated
equipment. Additionally, a second package totaling US$108 million
encompasses spare and repair parts essential for military wheeled
vehicles, weapons, and other crucial support elements. It is
important to mention that this approval follows the US government’s
previous endorsement of $1.1 billion in arms sales to Taiwan in
2022, which China perceives as a breach of the One China policy,
further contributing to tensions in the region.
Us and South Korea arms agreement

One of the significant developments in the Asia-Pacific region is the

signing of the “Washington Declaration” between the United States
and South Korea. This agreement marks the deployment of US
strategic assets and nuclear-armed submarines around the Korean
Peninsula, aiming to enhance deterrence against North Korea’s
nuclear threats. While the primary focus is on North Korea, the
deployment of US nuclear weapons in South Korea also serves as
a deterrent against China in the region. The declaration
emphasizes the need for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait
and the Indo-Pacific, further highlighting South Korea’s growing
involvement in the United States’ efforts to counter China’s
influence. This move signifies an increasing alignment between
South Korea and the US in the ongoing geopolitical rivalry with
China, contributing to a changing dynamic in the Asia-Pacific
region.
In February 2023, the Philippines and the United States
successfully revived their Enhanced Defense Cooperation
Agreement (ECDA) after facing legal and political challenges that
had cast doubt on its full implementation since its signing in 2014.
Under the reestablished ECDA, the United States has gained
access to a total of nine Philippine military bases, including four
additional bases that were identified in April 2023. These bases
hold significant strategic value, given their proximity to Taiwan and
the South China Sea, making them potential assets for military
contingencies in the region. The expanded access to these bases
aligns with the broader Indo-Pacific strategy of the United States,
which aims to disperse its forces more widely across the region as
part of its efforts to maintain stability and counterbalance China’s
growing influence. This development also highlights the United
States’ intent to strengthen its presence in the region and encircle
China, reflecting the evolving geopolitical dynamics and the
intensifying competition in the Indo-Pacific.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent state visit to the
United States, recently, marked a significant development in the
broader strategy of encircling China. The visit not only focused on
strengthening economic ties but also emphasized military
cooperation to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific
region. Economically, the United States has been actively investing
in India, aiming to promote its growth and create a viable alternative
to China’s dominance in the global supply chain. This geopolitical
opportunity has allowed India to leverage its position and attract
foreign investments, leading to rapid economic growth. However, it
is important to acknowledge that India’s growth is not solely
attributed to its hard work, but also to the favorable geopolitical
circumstances it has seized upon. By capitalizing on these
opportunities, India has positioned itself as a key player in
reshaping global trade dynamics. Furthermore, the military aspect
of the visit highlighted the United States’ commitment to equipping
India with advanced technologies and capabilities to effectively
counter and encircle China. This strategic partnership aims to
enhance India’s defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, ultimately
 ensuring regional stability and balancing China’s expanding
influence.
The South China Sea is a crucial region for global trade, with
approximately one-third of the world’s trade, valued at $3.4 trillion in
2016, passing through it. China faces the “Malacca dilemma” as
60% of its trade and 80% of its oil imports heavily rely on the South
China Sea and the Malacca Strait. However, an alternative and
secure trading route for China is the China-Pakistan Economic
Corridor (CPEC) through Pakistan. It is essential for Pakistan to
navigate this geopolitical environment wisely and create favorable
conditions that maximize the potential benefits of the CPEC for both
countries.

Taiwan would be new battle grownd in US China rivalry

China and US are going to be at loggerheads due to rising differences
over Taiwan’s status. Burgeoning tensions between the island and the
mainland are ringing a bell of stressed relations between China and
the US. In a changing world order when global power is shifting from
the West to the East, the push and pull between the US and China are
all leading to the Thucydides Trap, which is a term popularised by
American Political Scientist Graham Allison in his book Destined for
War, America, China and Thucydides’ Trap relates to a situation
where a rising power, for instance, China challenges the incumbent
(say the US).
Conflicts are heightening the dangers of war between China and the
US. They may turn Taiwan into a new battleground for a power
struggle. The Taiwanese president has condemned China’s approach
for undermining Taiwan’s sovereignty and attack on democracy. On
the other hand, Beijing has elevated both political as well as military
pressure on Taipei. The US moves in this regard are certainly not
ignorable, despite having evident warnings of drastic measures by
China, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visits to Taiwan are
considered the manifestation of imminent war in this region.
Undoubtedly, the impact of another hotspot amid the ongoing Russo-
Ukraine war is to add fuel to injury around the globe.
There should be a bilateral dialogue between Taiwan and China.
China should consider replacing its “One China Policy”, with the “One
China Two Systems Policy” to save the region from imminent war and
ensure peace and stability because any Chinese attempt to annex
Taiwan forcefully will aggravate and worsen the situation which
creates an irreparable loss for both of them.