Japan Advocates Enhanced Security Ties in Indo-Pacific Region

Japan supports stronger security alliances with South Korea and India in the Indo-Pacific, amid discussions on expanding the U.S.-backed Squad group. The aim is to counter China's influence in the region through a network involving Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States, emphasized Japan's Ministry of Defense.

Japan has voiced its support for strengthening security cooperation with South Korea and India in the Indo-Pacific region. This announcement comes after the military chief of the Philippines indicated an interest in including these nations in a U.S.-backed security alliance to counter China's regional influence.

A statement from Japan's Ministry of Defense emphasized the importance of creating multi-layered alliances for enhanced deterrence in what it describes as the most severe security environment since World War II. Though Japan supports general alliance expansion, it has not confirmed any specific steps regarding the Squad, a group involving the U.S., Australia, the Philippines, and Japan.

General Romeo S. Brawner of the Philippines recently highlighted efforts to incorporate India and South Korea into this security network to address ongoing tensions with China in the South China Sea. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in India reiterated its commitment to fostering a secure Indo-Pacific region.

(With inputs from agencies.)