India, US, Japan and Australia supports Asean led architecture mechanism

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