A Message To China? Former Armed Forces Chiefs In Taiwan To Discuss Indo-Pacific Security

In a diplomatic signal to China, all the three former chiefs of the Armed Forces are in Taiwan.

The three retired Chiefs — Admiral Karambir Singh, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhaduria, and General Manoj Naravane — of the Indian Navy, Air Force, and Army, respectively, are in Taipei to discuss Indo-Pacific security.

They will be attending the Ketagalan Forum 2023 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue. The Ketagalan conference primarily focuses on issues related to security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Although India follows the 'One China' policy and does not have diplomatic ties with Taipei, the presence of the three Chiefs is seen by many as a sign of a potential change in India's stance, especially if China goes to war with Taiwan.

According to some reports, the Indian government is considering the adverse effects that China's invasion of Taiwan could have on India and its economy.

If the US and its allies were to side with Taiwan in the event of a war with China, India might also have to take a side, particularly considering that India has signed a logistics treaty with the US — the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Understanding (LEMOA) — which allows both militaries to use each other's military bases.

Apart from the Indian Armed Forces Chiefs, 14 lawmakers and government officials from 12 countries will attend the conference, including former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso.

Speaking at the conference, Aso said, "The most important thing now is to ensure that war doesn't break out in the Taiwan Strait".

He called upon Japan, the United States, and other like-minded nations to be prepared for action and establish very strong deterrence.

"I believe that now is the time for Japan, Taiwan, the United States, and other like-minded countries to be prepared to put into action very strong deterrence," Aso said.