China,the second largest global economy, has been flexing its muscles in the neghbourhood for quite some time now. This has left all of its neighbors concerned about their soverignity over areas bordering with China.
China is the largest country in asia and is bordered by 14 countries: Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Vietnam.
Most of them have a border dispute with China. Not only the land neighbours but China is is a conflict with its sea neighbours as well.
Brunei, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam are all the Island nations of South China Sea.
Concerned about their own safety the neighbors have now started making regional groupings like QUAD and AUKUS as well as are focusing on building strategic bilateral relations to effectively provide a counter to Chinese threat.
China’s disputes with Philippines:
China and Philippines are sea neighbors that are in a position of dispute regarding ownership of Islands and fishing ground in South China sea.
The dispute popularly called as the nine dash line dispute was sorted out in favor of Philipines by Internal Court of Justice in 2016 however still china continues to disrespect the orders.
It is therefore necessary for Philippines to scale up its defence against an aggressive and supremely powerful Chinese navy.
India and Philippines:
India being a land neighbor of China has its own set of disputes with the Chinese army in areas of Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
Chinese misadventures have recently caused a deadly clash between the two nations in Galwan Valley.
Thus it is strategically a benefit for India to build healthy relations with Philippines who is facing a common enemy.
India and Philippines have signed a defence deal of $375 Million allowing Philippines to get 3 batteries of Brahmos Missile systems for India.
Brahmos is a supersonic cruise missile developed by India. Each brahmos battery contains 2 launchers, 1 radar and 1 command centre. It is a very effective anti ship missile and can cause a serious damage to the enemy’s naval capacities.
Philippines marine force has recently established a new anti ship marine battalion to operate these missiles.
By Kartikeya Upadhyaya
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