Date : 23/11/2023

Relevance: GS Paper 2 – International Relations

Keywords: ODA, Act East Policy, BrahMos missile, G20

Context-

In a strategic move, the Philippines has opted to redirect its focus from Chinese-led infrastructure projects, citing sustainability and geopolitical concerns. Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has confirmed the government's interest in seeking development assistance from Japan and India, aligning with Manila's goal to strengthen economic and security partnerships with like-minded nations amid Beijing's perceived lack of responsible behavior.

Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership:

Under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippines is prioritizing sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea and actively seeking alliances with traditional and non-traditional partners that share common goals. The Philippines and Japan have a historically close strategic partnership, with Japan being a major investor and the largest source of overseas development assistance (ODA). Recent developments, including the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, have marked a turning point in bilateral ties. Japan's willingness to play a more significant security role aligns with Manila's efforts to enhance its defense network and maritime security capabilities. The Philippines has become the first recipient of Japan's overseas security assistance (OSA), and negotiations for a reciprocal access agreement (RAA) indicate a deepening strategic partnership.

Philippines-India Bilateral Relationship:

India and the Philippines, both democratic nations in the Indo-Pacific region, share a common commitment to fostering a free, open, and stable region.

Historical Diplomatic Ties:

Diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines were formally established on 26 November 1949, following their respective gains of independence in 1947 and 1946.

Look East Policy (1992):

India's Look East Policy, initiated in 1992 to enhance partnerships with ASEAN nations, significantly contributed to the deepening of bilateral relations between India and the Philippines.

Act East Policy (2014):

The introduction of the Act East Policy in 2014 marked a diversification of India-Philippines ties, encompassing political-security collaborations, trade, industry, and more.

Economic Dynamics:

As of 2022, India stands as the fifteenth largest trading partner for the Philippines, with a trade volume reaching approximately USD 3 billion. The Philippines maintains a trade deficit with India, indicating a net import of goods.

Defense Collaboration:

The defense and security partnership between India and the Philippines is on an upward trajectory. A significant milestone in this collaboration is the imminent finalization of the BrahMos missile deal. The BrahMos, a supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India and Russia, is versatile and can be launched from land, sea, or air platforms. This deal underscores the strengthening defense ties between the two nations.

Regional Dynamics and China's Influence:

Japan and India's increased engagement in Southeast Asia complements the strategic interests of countries like the Philippines aiming to reduce vulnerability to China's expanding economic influence and power projection capabilities. As per the State of Southeast Asian Survey of 2023, Japan and India emerge as the top choices for alternative Indo-Pacific strategic partners among Southeast Asian countries. In the context of the intensifying U.S.-China competition, building robust ties with friendly regional powers becomes crucial for Southeast Asian nations.

India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership:

The India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership is characterized by robust security ties and shared threat perceptions regarding China's assertiveness. Regular bilateral military exercises, two-plus-two meetings, and participation in multilateral frameworks like the Quad and the G20 underline the depth of collaboration. Both nations have also embarked on a third-country cooperation model, exemplified by the Asia Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC), which, despite facing challenges, indicates their commitment to regional development.

Trilateral Partnerships and Beyond:

India and Japan's collaboration extends beyond bilateral ties to trilateral partnerships, such as those with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Exploring new third-country cooperation models in Southeast Asia, especially with countries like the Philippines, becomes paramount as these nations seek alternatives in the face of the U.S.-China power competition. Deepening ties with the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations aligns with India's broader strategy of expanding its influence in the greater Indo-Pacific region.

Conclusion:

The Philippines' shift towards Japan and India for development and security cooperation reflects a strategic recalibration amidst concerns about China's influence. The Philippines, under President Marcos Jr., is actively pursuing alliances with like-minded partners to safeguard its sovereignty and promote regional stability. The deepening strategic partnerships with Japan and India provide avenues for multifaceted cooperation, ranging from defense and security to economic development. As Japan and India play a pivotal role in the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific, their collaborative efforts with the Philippines offer a counterbalance to China's influence, contributing to the region's stability and resilience.

Source- The Hindu