Quad leaders to bolster joint maritime security ops in Indo-Pacific with focus on China

The leaders of the US, Australia, India, and Japan are set to announce an expansion of their joint maritime security operations in the Indian Ocean as part of closer coastguard integration in the Indo-Pacific region. This move comes amidst escalating tensions in the South and East China seas, particularly involving Chinese and Philippine vessels.

The summit’s deliverables are eagerly anticipated to gauge the four countries’ stance against China’s increasing military assertiveness. The newly expanded Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) will enhance cooperation in sharing satellite and other data among members and regional partners, including Southeast Asian and Pacific Island nations. This initiative, launched by the Quad in 2022, will now extend its coverage to the Indian Ocean region, benefiting from India’s leadership.

China is closely watching this development, as it signals a united front from key regional powers. The extended IPMDA will also aid in monitoring illegal activities in the water, such as illegal fishing, across a broader expanse of the Indo-Pacific.