India is making a big move – they're sending their first-ever military representative to the Philippines! This official, called a "defense attaché", will arrive in a few months. Their job? Keeping tabs on military happenings in the region, which is part of India's plan to boost its influence in the Indo-Pacific.
Why all the fuss? Well, China's been getting increasingly pushy in the Indo-Pacific, especially in the South China Sea. That's been rough for countries like the Philippines. China claims a whole lot of that sea as its own, even using something called the "nine-dash line" to try and back up its claim. They've been making life difficult for the Philippines around important areas like the Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal.
New Military Rep = More Support
Things heated up back in 2016 when the Philippines officially challenged China's claims, and, guess what? They won! But China just ignored the whole thing.This is where the defense attaché comes in. With China and the Philippines clashing more and more, the attaché's role just got way more important. The Philippines accuses China of repeatedly bullying them in the South China Sea. Just in April, China blocked a Philippine research ship and its guards right off the coast of the Philippines! There's also been trouble with water cannons and with the Philippines trying to resupply the Second Thomas Shoal. This whole situation has the Philippine President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., seriously considering fighting back.
The BrahMos Connection
In the middle of all this drama, India stepped in by sending the Philippines a BrahMos supersonic cruise missile earlier this month. It's a sign that the two countries are teaming up in the military department.The BrahMos missile deal was a big one, worth $375-million. It almost didn't happen thanks to a US law called CAATSA (sounds complicated, doesn't it?). But it all worked out in the end.
Last month, India's Foreign Minister visited Manila and made it clear: India stands by the Philippines. The Philippines basically said the same thing, adding that they want the Indo-Pacific region to stay peaceful. India's been siding with the Philippines against China before, but now it looks like they're getting way more serious about it.
India's Got Its Own China Problems
While the Philippines is dealing with China over the sea, India has its own beef with China on land up in the mountains of Ladakh. This standoff has been going on for years now, and it's looking like it could drag on even longer.So, there you have it – China's actions are bringing India and the Philippines closer together. With the Philippines switching leaders to one who's friendlier with the US, it's the perfect time for India to step up its game.
