Title: India and the Philippines Deepen Military Cooperation to Counter China?
Introduction: Recently, India and the Philippines signed a series of military cooperation agreements, including equipment exports and defense loans. This shows that India is trying to expand its defense footprint in the Indo-Pacific region and strengthen friendly relations with the Philippines. Some analysts believe that India's aim is to deal with China, and it has also signed a similar cooperation agreement with Vietnam.
Text: As the South China Sea issue continues to ferment, military cooperation between India and the Philippines has gradually deepened. According to India's Defense Times, India has signed a number of military cooperation agreements with the Philippines, which include equipment exports and defense loans. India will provide the Philippines with BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missiles and up to $100 million in defense loans. In addition, India and the Philippines signed a military cooperation agreement in which it was decided to strengthen friendly cooperation between the two militaries, including conducting military training and training, strengthening exchanges, and regular mutual visits and the procurement of defense equipment.
This series of cooperation measures has attracted people's attention. According to a source, India and the military believe that the Philippines is one of the few countries within ASEAN that can resist China, so India has put a lot of effort into the Philippines. Not only that, but Vietnam, which has often been in friction with China, has also signed a series of military cooperation agreements with India.
However, analysts believe that there is little chance of any real effect of such a conspiracy in India. Over the past few years, the Philippines and the United States have been in a state of mutual intimidation, while the Philippines has maintained a tough stance on the South China Sea issue and is unwilling to succumb to US coercion and inducement. The Philippines has also repeatedly threatened to terminate the Visiting Force Agreement with the United States. It is even more difficult for India to shake the relationship between China and the Philippines.
At the same time, India needs to think about how to deal with its domestic challenges. At present, India is trying to control the new crown epidemic and properly deal with the agricultural problem. At the same time, India also has to deal with US sanctions, as it has signed an agreement with Russia to purchase S-400 anti-aircraft missiles. If India continues to resort to military means, it will only lead to an even more painful defeat.
In short, India's intention to deepen military cooperation with the Philippines is a cause for concern. However, this conspiracy has had little substantive effect. Now, India should focus on its domestic problems rather than endlessly confronting China. History has proven that the gap in comprehensive strength between India and China is getting wider and wider, and India should face the reality more rationally, instead of continuing to shake the tree.