RIMPAC 2022

RIMPAC Exercise 2022

RIMPAC is an abbreviation for the Rim of the Pacific. It is the world's largest joint naval exercise conducted and led by the United States and will start on June 29th and continue till August 4th in and around the Hawaiian island and southern California. The exercise will not only act as a springboard for the US military but also as an opportunity for other nations to introduce synergy among their forces.

HISTORY

The exercise began in 1971 with just three members, the US, Australia and Canada, and this year it marks its 28th edition. Its participating members are not fixed and depend on the Government's relations with the US.

28th EDITION

This year 26 nations, 170 aircraft and about 25,000 soldiers will participate. Among the participating nations are Brunei, Vietnam, Philippines, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Tonga, and New Zealand from the East-pacific rim. Mexico and Chile from the West-pacific Rim and the Quad grouping of India, Japan, Australia and the US. The US Indo-Pacific Command HQ at Hawaii will command and control the RIMPAC exercise with China as its focus this year. Two primary objectives of this year's exercise are:

1) Countering China in the South-China sea.

China's absurd claim over the South-China sea led to territorial disputes with the Philippines, Brunei and Vietnam. The entire issue revolves around the Exclusive Economic Zone and the resources in the region. It had been well explained by me in previous posts, check for a detailed explanation. 

2) Preventing China's influence on Pacific island nations.

According to a recent analysis, China is increasing its influence in the South Pacific by signing security deals with the Island nations of the region. Example China-Solomon Security deal. Such expansion is crucial for China to counterbalance the US forces and create some breathing room. Its impact and analysis are also well explained in previous posts, do check for a detailed explanation.

Thus, the US gives a stern message to China by inviting nations bordering China to participate in the RIMPAC exercise.

GEOPOLITICS BEHIND

China and the US both have their version of expansionist policies. China expands in terms of physical territory and market whereas the US looks to expand it's military and economic power. RIMPAC exercise is another platform for the US to do so.

The intriguing bit is that India will also be participating this year despite being nowhere close to the Pacific region, it was decided at the Quad summit 2022 held in Japan the previous month. But why will India participate? The answer is simple the trade routes that run through the strait of Malacca towards the South-China sea give India access to the South Asian markets and open up multiple opportunities, the same goes for China. 

CONCLUSION

Every nation wants freedom of navigation in international waters, it's the reason why India, the US, Japan, and Australia came together to form the Quad and why other nations partake in multi-national naval exercises. Such exercises may act as cornerstones for the US to build its Global NATO project and a learning experience for developing nations.