India, US, Japan, and Australia came together to support ASEAN-led architecture mechanism for a rule-based order to promote the free, open,
prosperous and inclusive indo-pacific region in a meeting held at Bangkok, Thailand.The meeting at Bangkok is to counter China’s military expansion into the Indo-pacific region.
The Quad Countries:
Senior officials of the four countries also
highlighted their efforts to maintain universal respect for international law and freedom of navigation and overflight in the region.
They affirmed their strong support for ASEAN
centrality and ASEAN-led regional architecture including the Indian Ocean Rim Association and
Pacific Islands Forum.
They underscored their intent to continue close
coordination and collaboration in support of sustainable, private sector-led
development, maritime security, and good governance.
The Quad coalition also discussed initiatives
undertaken by each country to encourage transparent, principles-based
investment in quality infrastructure in accordance with international standards
and leverage the potential of the private sector.
China’s military expansion:
China has been trying to expand its military presence in the Indo-Pacific, which is a biogeographic
region, comprising the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean,
including the South
China Sea.
China claims almost all of the South China
Sea. Vietnam, the Philippines,
Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan have
counterclaims over the sea.
ASEAN countries:
ASEAN is an association of the 10 countries
which include – Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines,
Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. India, US, Japan and
Australia, and several other countries are it’s dialogue partners.
ASEAN – Association of
Southeast Asian Nations:
Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia
Secretary general: Lim Jock Hoi
Motto: one vision, one identity, one community
