Clear Signals on Indo-Pacific

What is the issue?

China’s claim that the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy is aiming to create an Indo-Pacific version of NATO is in news.

China accused the U.S. of “stoking geopolitical rivalry” by forming exclusive clubs.
It alleged that the U.S. was leading a “five-four-three-two” formation in the region by
- strengthening the Five Eyes intelligence alliance
- peddling the Quad
- piecing together AUKUS
- tightening bilateral military alliances
It said that the broader goal of the U.S. was to establish an Indo-Pacific version of NATO.
Beijing has repeatedly blamed NATO for the crisis in Ukraine and has also moved to reaffirm ties with Russia.

trade-economic-groupings

By equating the Quad, which is not a military pact, with other security agreements, China now also appears to be clearly situating India as a part of the U.S. exclusive club.
New Delhi will need to consider how this will impact its close relations with Russia.
Some in New Delhi have come to view Beijing’s aggressive moves along the LAC in 2020 as a warning sign to deter India-U.S. relations.
India’s response has been to continue deepening ties not only with the U.S. and the Quad but also other Indo-Pacific partners.
Mr. Wang did acknowledge that recent “setbacks” in ties suited neither India nor China.
The two sides will meet on March 11 for the next round of military talks to take forward LAC disengagement.
As India and China continue to restore ties from the lowest point and ensure peace on the border, they will also need to have a broader conversation about global currents that are reshaping their bilateral relations.

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