China presence in Indo-Pacific region is concerning, say Quad defence officers

“We are aware that some of the vessels which are here have got a dual role; they are not doing exactly what they tell they are doing. We are keeping a close watch and have acted decisively in many cases to call them out,” he said.

During the discussion on ‘Deepwater Perils: Securing Trade’, Admiral Tripathi said, “One of the attributes (of the Navy) is that one has to of course keep your ears and eyes open, not only the military domain but also in the geopolitics, technology and the tactics as being employed by both state, quasi-state and non-state actors. So, the aim is that we are not caught unawares or surprised by the turn of events.”

Besides Admiral Tripathi, the panel included Admiral Justin Jones, Chief of Joint Operations, Australia; Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander, US Indo-Pacific Command; General Romeo S Brawner, Chief of Army Staff, the Philippines; and General Yoshihide Yoshida, Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff, Japan. Together, they examined the shifting nature of maritime threats, risks for global security and trade, and the evolving responses required to safeguard vital trade routes, including in the South China Sea.

On the 2027 timeline given by Chinese President Xi Jinping on taking over of Taiwan by the PLA, Admiral Paparo said that whether it’s a blockade or a full-scale aggression in the Taiwan Strait, depending on the political condition, “the US shall maintain a capacity to resist any resort to force that jeopardises the social, political, economic system of Taiwan”,  adding that the US policy remains unchanged.

When asked about Chinese military ships being spotted 190 nautical miles from Sydney about three weeks ago, Admiral Jones said that the closest they (Chinese) came to the Australian mainland is 140 nautical miles. “It was legal, however, it was a strategic messaging of China’s capabilities, capacity, and perhaps intent,” he said.

General Brawner spoke on the situation in the South China Sea, especially from the perspective of the Philippines. “China’s building of artificial islands gives them effective control over the whole South China Sea, and more than 50% of world trade passes through the South China Sea. Once they take full control, it would be very harmful for the world economy,” he said, labelling Chinese activities as “illegal, coercive, aggressive and destructive”.

Admiral Tripathi said that the Indian Navy is working with partners and learning the best practices from them in all domains. “We have to ensure that we are ready to take on all the known challenges. We are reasonably prepared for something which is yet to come,” he said.