The Editorial Analysis: Dealing with the Indo- Pacific is Not Easy

Table of Contents

Indo Pacific region UPSC: Relevance

GS 2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Recently, the US president Joseph Biden concluded his recent five-day visit to Asia.
As soon as he reached US, North Korea test-fired three ballistic missiles even as it is preoccupied with a ‘fever’ in the country.
Chinese and Russian fighter jets carried out joint flights over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea.

South Korea said that it would expand the presence of a U.S. missile defence system in the country.
In Japan, the administration promised the US president that it was ready to do away with its long-standing 1% GDP ceiling for annual defence spending.
In a press conference, the US president rather gave a more forceful statement that the U.S. would intervene militarily to defend Taiwan if it came under attack from China.

South Korea and Japan face regular nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.
China not only challenges international maritime laws in the South China Sea, but also confronts Japan over the Senkaku Islands.
Six nations, including China and Taiwan, are involved in the dispute over the Spratly Islands, which are supposedly sitting on vast reserves of oil and natural gas.
China has vigorously militarised some portions of the disputed isles, islets and coral reefs; and countries like Vietnam and the Philippines are anxious not to be left behind.

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) was established with Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam to emphasise on China.
The IPEF will work on fine-tuning four major pillars: standards and rules for digital trade; resilient supply chains; green energy commitments; and fair trade.
However, concerns are being raised that while the IPEF may be a good idea, there is discontent that the framework does not address issues of trade and tariffs.

Whether it is in East, Southeast or South Asia, every country has its own unique relationship with China.
South Korea and Japan or even Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) are part of a strong American security/strategic partnership but will be keen on maintaining their economic status with China.
India may be a part of the Quad, but is quite mindful that it is the only country in the group that shares a land border with China which is laced with disputes.

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