Could China soon be facing a NATO-like alliance in the Indo-Pacific? | DW News 

It's ridiculous to consider AUKUS as an Asian NATO-like alliance. South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Philippines, and Australia should be the starting core of this alliance for a better thought experiment. Yes, the Philippines is seriously lagging in force projection and military assets compared to others in the list but its strategic location is a must for this collective agreement.

We have that NATO-like alliance before, It called Southeast Asia Treaty Organization or SEATO. It was formed to counter communism in the region, but it didn't last.

China is the player creating tensions, not other nations in the indo-pacific. Creating island bases in the south of China sea after Xi stated they were not to be militarily bases, claiming almost all of the south of China sea as Chinese territory, including areas within the Philippines exclusive economic zone and disputed territory of other nations, its insistence on the option of military action against Taiwan if the Taiwanese people choose to not be subject to the CCP control and so much more. China must be resisted and not with half measures but with resolute insistence that it does not get to railroad its way to expansionism and hegemony over other nations.

INDIA, JAPAN, PHILIPINES & AUSTRALIA should join & form in as a Military alliance. To defend themselves & to protect from CHINA.

Without India there will be no indo pacific strategy to counter China anywhere in Asia and only india has some weightage militarily

The PRC seems to be going out of its way to make too many enemies at once, rather than picking them all off one by one.

"nato style" doesn't mean Nato. The appeal of the coherence of the NATO alliance is the selling point, but the Indo Pacific alliance would have to be relevant to China and the South China Sea, and be a separate alliance that aspires to the coherence of purpose and relations between member countries that NATO has.

I noticed something about modern wars and even wars way way before, it's not only about who have the stronger military but its more into who have enough trained men and supplies to help them lasts longer in the war... wars usually never ends overnight or in a week or in a month but lasts for many many months and even years...

actually Southern Asian Countries already has a circle called ASEAN and it only needs a little upgrades to turn into a true alliance..

what happened to SEATO? (Southeast Asia Treaty Org) We have that one before which is patterned to NATO

I think it's good go point out that the stepping stones to this defense pact is already been in the works, for example the Philippines will soon reach an agreement with Japan to have access in each other's bases just like the agreement it has with the US. Now it only a matter of time to see when will this agreement reach other countries as well.

Xi’s shortsightedness is finding a way to unite enemies like SK and Japan. Brilliant.

Very deep analysis. Good watch 👍

American Weapon Industrial Complex be like: 🤑🤑🤑🤑

First there's a strategic point area, then there's a dormant binding energy either a potential energy or when awaken an energy in motion, then there's movement of each country to feed it's scopes and to aim for greenier pastures when potential advantage realized, then each region country become pro- active of binding at each other to create a physical structure from a bond in paper only to a bond of the better we regionally, then like a machine of motor wheel with connecting gear the better bigger motor wheel initiates the action potential and the smaller motor wheel connected to such whirl in synchrony piling up the greens, and each of them in a region began growing up light bulbs brighter and brighter and welcoming friends as inner core buddies of friends for benefit for only friends who can help them the most and not cause them headaches, then with their bulbs shed it's light realizing they have to eat whilst the iron is hot and store for the rainy days knowing when everything in that region undergo transformation as the global event change their initial bonds could change with the way they look at each other with a smile when there's competition start to brew on who is the fairest of them all in that region, and the story goes on, .....

I doubt china is equal to american military might...

It seems obvious to me that democracies in the Asia-Indo-Pacific need a NATO equivalent. Given China's behavior and relationship with North Korea, what else are these countries supposed to do?

It would be in the interest of everyone in the region to cooperate against the Chinese aggression. Chinese claims in the South China sea are ridiculously big and the promise to invade Taiwan should make everyone start thinking about their security. Its really not in the interest of China to start a war but with economic domestic problems President Xi needs to direct attention to some other problem outside China and a conflict with any neighbouring country is one way to stay in power.

yes bring it on

The good think about authoritarian and totalitarian leaders is they only listen to themselves, and not experts. Never interrupt your enemy when they are making a mistake as Napoleon would say.

In Europe NATO so far has given a 100% security. No NATO country has been attacked or has attacked Russia. Neutral countries like Switzerland can live peacefully, and choose their own path. It's aimed at deterring Russia. And as such has been a success. This peace an stability that NATO ensures has been good for the Russian people too. It's just sad Ukraine wasn't allowed in NATO by the US and others 10 years ago. There would not be war then. That much is sure.

DW sounds more like the Voice of America everyday.

*The international law* is very clear on the South China Sea: - parts of it belong to some ASEAN countries, - the rest of it is the international water, - no part of it belongs to China🇨🇳 or Taiwan🇹🇼.

He caught himself say "war" and quickly course corrected.

It's pretty much a fair accompli and China can look at itself as the cause. Think of the nine dash line, threats to Taiwan, all sorts of regional bullying. Countries in Se Asia and Japan, South Korea, it's natural they would feel anxious

The only way China 🇨🇳 can avoid an unwinable war with the US and allies is: - It must obey UNCLOS ruling in 2016 and stop interfering with Taiwan internal affairs.

Reminds me of the failed SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization) formed in the 1950s.

Wasn’t there once a mutual defense alliance similar to NATO that collapsed because New Zealand’s ban on nuclear weapons?

Actually SEATO had already been established in 1954, but then it failed and been formally dissolved in 1977

They will if they don't act irrational like claiming the whole sea, imagine all other countries even neutral and their friend have territorial beef with them, and they still claim that all of those countries are somewhat crazy.

If you have organizations that are designed to combat certain countries, but the organization is SCARED to upset that country and it lets that country do what it wants…….then what’s the point of the organization?

There used to be one it was called SEATO. It was considered defunct so the members decided to abandon the idea. Breaking it up does not seem to have been such a good idea after all.

The correspondent was right when he said it is entirely up to China how quickly QUAD changes into a collective defense agreement. All QUAD members have been working on interoperability and training exercises for several years now. When China’s aggression gets beyond a point they will close ranks with the US.

I think it is high time that the old SEATO resurface once more. ASEAN is more on economic cooperation. SEATO is more on interpolitical defense treaty among members of the ASEAN to counter threats over contested territorial waters. Honorary members such as the US, UK, and Australia and NZ can join if they so wish. If India wish to join as an honorary member, then the better. Having such a defensive treaty to address concerns posed by China and even piracy around member nations can greatly deter highly aggressive countries such as China.

Just in! United Nation add a new country in its list! CONGRATS TO THE NEW REPUBLIC OF TAIWAN!

She said “Capital of Taiwan” ❤

It doesn't matter how many times the Chinese regime repeats the *lies,* or how *angry* it pretends to be, - Taiwan 🇹🇼 is still an independent country.

The CCP's high handed nine-dash line arrogance and confrontational behaviours towards Asian neighbours are a magic regional defence alliance maker. It was always only a question of time before such alliances formalised under those conditions but it's no one else's business but the allies within that agreement.

Told ya!

Peace and stability is to respect the rules of law in UNCLOS and respect the all nations that's following rules of law in all nations

East Pacific Treaty Organization ( EPATO) has to be Initiated among Japan, South Korea, Australia, Japan and The Philippines

Oh look! The consequences of bullying my own neighbors! :D

China has forgotten the Golden rule of Confucius that thier ancestors teached them

There is a genuine concern in the West about the strength of Asian nations. For instance, Japan's historical experience serves as a cautionary tale, as it faced repercussions when it became too powerful. The prevailing sentiment is that China, being a much larger and formidable power, may pose an even greater challenge than Japan did.

Asia Ukraine is in making by Anglo-Saxons.

We do need a Asia NATO. China is a big threat to the region as the soviet union dod to europe. Peace needs to be preserve.

Sick 💡 Idea

also the PRC's military might only rivals the US' in theory; they are untested in the battlefield since the end of the korean war

I can only hope this is true. All of our Indo-Pacific allies should be brought into NATO or a similar equivalent.

Its completely China's fault its all about there behaviour.

Bordering of such alliance with China will definitely lead to another Russia-Ukraine like conflict. I mean China lika Russia so dramatic and voulnarable to threats.

It's so ironical ...NATO is pretty much a failure in Europe ..and 🇪🇺 unlikely such scenario will ever even get off the starting blocks!

It’s time for Asian version of NATO!!

I wouldn't mind a nato like in our region

STAY TUNED!

NATO and POTO (Pacific ocean), maybe even a IOTO (Indian ocean). So many alliances in the future.

Nobody dares to have a war with today's China,just have a look at the industry capacity of each country.

We need that kind of alliance, i hope they would make it happen.

If a new alliance in this area were to be formed, the key/founding members (in order of military strength) would have to be USA, India, Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. These countries already do combined military operations and have done so for years. Then others in the area could apply for membership (Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.). However it would still take years to be anywhere near a NATO example, if at all.

NATO should simply go global. It would be nice to have one alliance with so many members who could support each other in a hypothetical conflict against the new axis of autocracy.

Ukraine trusted the west and is ending like Afghanistan... If Taiwan makes the same mistske and trusts the west Taiwan will end like Ukraine!

Why alliances, an incapable of solving the conflict or fear of raising power.

I think APTO is much suited , Asia Pacific Treaty Organization

As I've said the past year or so, it should start with Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. The seeds were already planted for a possible JKP alliance; not only militarily, but economically as well. This JKP alliance should be a body for it to have teeth and be respected. Maybe in the not-so-distant future, it can become a Confederacy. We just have to water, nurture, and protect the seeds. 1. It is an Asia-Pacific membership only. 2. It will stay neutral in the China vs West issue. (Neutrality doesn't mean not doing anything. It can also mean leveraging both sides to keep them in check.) 3. Australia, New Zealand, and Russia, considered as “Western”, cannot join. (Even though some considers them part of Asia-Pacific.) 4. China and Taiwan, also cannot join. 5. Anyone outside JKP alliance can only talk to the JKP body. No per nation agreements. 6. Nations afraid to make a strong statement for and against China/Russia and the West, won't be considered for membership. This new body should never ever turn into another ASEAN. 7. There will also be cultural exchanges, easy access to workforce to boost the economy and R&D (which in turn will help the military and the technologies of JKP), and education sharing and improvements. 8. The ultimate goal is to achieve and form a Confederacy of Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. Far-fetched? With the recent changes and developments, like Japan and Korea getting closer than ever, and both countries are also helping the Philippines, even donating, I wouldn't say it is far-fetched. We are at a turning point in history, we just have to do this right, despite China and the West working to keep the status quo. If we're being squished and used by these superpowers, then we should stand together to keep them both in check. The seeds have been planted years ago. Only free Asians can protect Asia. We can keep both of them at bay, at the same time, use them to keep them in check. Together we're stronger and more capable. Let's break the status quo they are keeping us in. ^_~

Is DW owned by Americans?

There exist one in Asia and this is SEATO! I don’t know why it is inactive and not known.

There's already an unofficial NATO in East Asia. Turning it official is only a formality.

China fears only 2 countries USA & japan Both r weak right now...

dont bring war to SOUTH EAST ASIA.

Keep mentioning indo pasific but no prespective of SEA..

Dont think this is necessary. The US has mutual defense treaties with all these nations and by and large they get along well and cooperate. Why add complexity? Some of the nations are what the average American considers a close ally...Australia and Japan and SK

China literally had water in its missiles instead of fuel. Paper dragon at best.

China is currently in a bad economic state with no outside pressures...how do they think their economy would survive a decade of strict global sanctions?

Decouple first then make a NATO with the Asia pacific.

I laughed at "China's military now rivalling the US" lol

Smaller entities teaming up against a larger bully? Sounds fair.

China always used the word peace however their action is very opposite, Not consistent country. They say they followed international law but in reality its not,they follow only their own Chinese Foreign Policy their own law. That why China consider as a threat in Asia

That is what is happening now. With AUKUS and the US treaty allies in the Western Pacific.

There was an nato like alliance before. It was called seto. But other than the usa no one else wanted to do anything. Sadly just like Europe no one wants to pay or work until the stuff starts hitting the fan. Then they all start running to the usa to fix things

Bring back SEATO! Now more than ever needed!

‘Perceived opportunism promotes military adventurism’. If China or Nth Korea think they can actually benefit, then they may engage in military action.

QUAD, the security diamond means historically much important than many people's thinking. If the NATO like alliance is established, probably like QUAD expanded alliance.

Can anyone tell, USA can supply any weapons to South Korea but China and Russia can not sell any weapons to North Korea.

China the country who fear there own people 😂😂😂

Great idea.

North korea:spends decades making a rocket to travel across the sea Also North Korea: missile gets shot down as soon as it hits peak altitude

This a sign that 1st world countries are not intimidating to contradict china's behavior in West Philippine Sea or South China Sea. International Law of the Seas must be followed in every nation in the world and respected.

We the Philippines does not want any trouble that will end to war; we want prosperity; peace and stability in the region. Our actions towards West Philippine Sea is in accordance to international law and UNCLOS. We only want our sovereign rights to our EEZ and nothing more nothing less.

China took "keeping enemies closer" to the next level. Its making all its neighbors enemies :D

why can't we just all get along :(

As a Filipino; none of this will work without our Indonesian brothers. We hope they join us like minded nations, to protect the ASEAN sea.

Should we name it as APTO??? Just like the NATO from the west, APTO as Asia-Pacific Treaty Organization could be a good name for a Pacific version of the NATO Alliance

This is what i have been suggesting way back in 2016.

I like it when western civilisations imposed in areas is called democracy

Almost everyone in the commentary section has completely no clue about what China is claiming in the SCS. Pls explain to everyone why ROC aka Taiwan can have 11 dash line in the SCS but not PRC? Pls show me China’s legal definition on the 9 dash line in the SCS! I want it with reference from reliable sources.

I doubt that a SEATO 2.0 will be feasible at the moment.

You have pushed us around a lot during the 19th century, we are no longer weak. You cannot push us around in the 21st century.

The biggest kayplayer in south east asia, including the one that have highest potential to challenge china won't join this military alliance if it including countries bordering south china sea That country is Indonesia The reason why Indonesia won't join this alliance due to indonesian foreign diplomatic policy of NON BLOCK. Indonesia will be the biggest hole in this alliance deffence. How indonesia will react is depend on how this alliance will treating indonesia. Hostile to indonesia, then indonesia will sided with china or russia. Friendly to indonesia then indonesia will remain neutral and won't causing any issue

A middle finger salute to China!

Seems that an Indo-Pacific Treaty Organisation (IPTO) is in the cards.