Civil Services (Mains) Coaching

Subject: International Relations

Paper: Gs Paper 2

                China Dismisses Indo- Pacific Concept As Speculation

The News:

• China dismissed as speculation reports about the US and Japan floating a strategic concept of a "free and open" Indo-Pacific region, a phrase which a US official earlier said highlights the rise of India.

• During the summit  Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump has reached an agreement on the strategic concept of building a free and open Indo-Pacific region are "gas and speculation”.

• Later this week, President Trump embarks on a 12-day visit to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and Philippines. However, Donald Trump will not be visiting India this time.

• On November 5, the Trump administration defended the use of the "Indo-Pacific" phrase instead of "Asia Pacific", saying it captures the importance of the rise of India with which the US has strong and growing ties.

Indo- Pacific:

• The term “Indo-Pacific” has gained currency in recent times, largely due to statements regarding the United States’ Rebalance to Asia strategy and an acknowledgement of linkage between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

• The ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy’ rests on “two oceans” — Indian and Pacific — and “two continents” — Africa and Asia.

Indo- Pacific Strategy Of Japan:

• The new concept, “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy” that aims to prepare Japan to deal with the fast changing global and regional order and threats from China and North Korea.

• The new Japanese strategy that will build peace pro-actively, based on “diplomacy that takes a panoramic view of the world map”.

• The strategy aims to create a “free and open” Asia-Pacific region which connects parts of eastern Africa, south Asia and southeast Asia with the western Pacific Ocean region and Japan.

US Statement: 

• The US is still using a 2010 strategic White Paper which indicated that the way to contain China was to use India, in alliance with the Philippines, Australia, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea as part of a containment strategy.

• On November 5, the Trump administration defended the use of the "Indo-Pacific" phrase instead of "Asia Pacific", saying it captures the importance of the rise of India with which the US has strong and growing ties.

India’s Status:

• As far as India is concerned, this linkage between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific traversing the waters of Southeast Asia is nothing new.

• India’s approach to the region is exemplified by its evolving Look East Policy, beginning with economic engagement with Southeast Asia and now expanding to strategic cooperation beyond Southeast Asia.

• In 2004, the Indian Maritime Doctrine alluded to “the shift in global maritime focus from the Atlantic-Paci?c combine to the Paci?c-Indian”.

• Therefore, beyond the Indian Ocean, the Western Pacific has for some time now been identified as falling within the ambit of India's security interests.

China’s Statement:

• "I think that whatever concept or term is employed, we must by no means lose sight of such an objective fact: this region has grown into the most vibrant region with the greatest potential in the world and serves as a major engine for global economic growth," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said, adding that maintaining the peace, stability and prosperity of this region is of great significance to the whole world.

• We hope that the Asia-Pacific region can become a stable, prosperous and orderly region where consensus can be reached through consultation and where we are capable of managing differences and have the wisdom to resolve the disputes, she said.

Conclusion:

• Indo-Pacific is still finding its feet in the practice of world politics. For the American policymakers, Indo-Pacific seems to be an attempt to integrate India in an Asian architecture that seeks to serve US interests.

• The Indian side, however, has welcomed the concept because it provides space for India to follow its strategic autonomy. India can continue to engage with countries all across in flexible interactions and not form alliances. Indo-Pacific concept allows India to be a direct stakeholder rather than being an alliance partner of the US.

• Thus, India can take foreign policy decisions that sit in consonance with its national interests.

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