x
Help Us Guide You Better
best online ias coaching in india
2020-10-22

Download Pdf

banner

International Relations
www.thehindu.com

U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper revealed a fresh drive to strengthen U.S. alliances with “like-minded democracies” in part through arms sales in an effort to curb the global influence of Russia and China.

Mr. Esper said the Pentagon would systematically monitor and manage its relationships with partner countries, aiming to find ways to coordinate militaries and to advance U.S. arms sales.

The initiative, called the Guidance for Development for Alliances and Partnerships (GDAP), comes just two weeks before the presidential election that, if President Donald Trump loses, could see Mr. Esper replaced in January.

He underscored the need to build closer ties to “like-minded democracies such as India and Indonesia” adding “they all recognise what China is doing.”

Global order

It also came after nearly four years of Mr. Trump’s efforts to restructure alliances, including threatening NATO.

“America’s network of allies and partners provides us an asymmetric advantage our adversaries cannot match,” Mr. Esper said on Tuesday, calling the network “the backbone of the international rules-based order.”

“China and Russia probably have fewer than 10 allies combined,” he added.

He said China uses coercion and financial entrapment to build its alliances with weak countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. “The smaller the nation and the greater its needs, the heavier the pressure from Beijing,” he said.

He cited visits he has made to build defence relations with Malta, Mongolia and Palau, as well as U.S. plans for a greater presence in Eastern Europe, including basing troops in Poland.

Subscribe to The Hindu digital to get unlimited access to Today's paper

Already have an account ? Sign in

Start your 14 days free trial. Sign Up

Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.

Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.

A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.

Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.

A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.

We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.

*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.

END
© Zuccess App by crackIAS.com